18K Rose Gold 4.c00cttw Multirow Pave Set Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our Diamond Eternity Band in 18k Rose Gold. This exquisite ring features four rows of round-cut diamonds, meticulously set to create a stunning di...
Diamond, Platinum, Rose Gold
Pave Set Round Cut Diamond Chain Link Ring Band 18K White Gold 0.39cttw
Located in New York, NY
This classic yet elegant chain link ring band features pave set round brilliant cut diamonds encrusted in three links.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cut Natural Turquoise and Diamonds Pavé
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines classic with contemporary mounting and styles. A striking masterwork of bold contras...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rachel Koen Genuine Diamond Pave Ladies Ring 18K White Gold 0.20cttw
Located in New York, NY
A symbol of eternal love, the humble wedding ring has been about for years, older than any of us and still as important as ever. While the design of weddings rings is becoming more m...
Diamond, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Mini Diamond Pave Ring
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Dhampagne diamond pave ring 5 mm diameter approx. Ring size US 6.5, can be sized upon request. Crafted from 18 karat yell...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold 1.06ctw Old Cut Pave Set Ruby & Diamond Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (32) Natural Genuine Rubies - Old Cut - Pave Set - Vivid Pinkish Red Color - 0.80 to 0.90ctw (approx.) (35) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Pave Set - G/H...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold High Quality Ruby & Pave Diamond Domed Cocktail Bombe Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (90) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 1.65ctw (approx.) (15) Natural Genuine Rubies - Square Calibre Step Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold GIA 3ctw Half Fancy Yellow & White Pave Diamond Bombe Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Fancy Yellow to Fancy Vivid Yellow Color - Natural Color ** See Certification Details Below for Com...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI - Serpenti Viper ring pave with diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Crafted from the finest materials, this stunning masterpiece wraps your finger in the hypnotic allure of its sinuous, serpentine design. The Serpenti Viper Pavé Ring features a mesm...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s Italian Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is composed of 18kt yellow gold and features a stunning array of pave diamonds, set in an oval shaped design. Italian 1970s. Size 6. In excellent condition. Please feel fr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.00 Carat D VVS1 Princess Diamond Pavé Ring in 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 18K white gold, the design highlights purity, symmetry, and timeless elegance—ideal for collectors seeking transparency and superior craftsmanship. --- Details: Model Num...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,772Sale Price / item|20% Off
Triple Marquise 1.13Ct SI/HI Diamond Pavé Band 18k White Gold Promise Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Triple Marquise 1.13Ct SI/HI Diamond Pavé Band 18k White Gold Promise Ring Featuring three brilliant marquise-cut diamonds stones stacked vertically and set on a delicate white gold...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 2.50 carat diamond 18k white gold pave band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking contemporary diamond pavé band is a beautifully crafted 2020’s design, set with 151 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 carats in total.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Pave Set 6.60ct Diamond Chalice Ring in 18k White Gold, French Hallmarks
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cartier Chalice ring featuring approximately 6.60 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds with F-G color and VS clarity pave set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Salvini Pave Set White & Brown Diamond Ladies Cocktail Ring 18K Rose Gold Size 7
By Salvini
Located in New York, NY
The ring is crafted in 18K rose gold. Showcases pave set round brilliant cut white diamonds weighing 1.10 carats and brown diamonds weighing 5.16 carats.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold GIA Bezel Triangular Ruby Solitaire Pave Diamond Dome Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
It is perfectly complemented by the super fiery white diamonds that are pave set and drench all sides of the domed top of the ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.18 Ct Baguette Round Diamond Pear Cluster Ring 18k White Gold Pave Bridal Gift
Located in Diera, AE
A beautifully composed pear-shaped diamond cluster ring featuring natural baguette and round brilliant diamonds — 0.18 carats total — set in solid 18k white gold with a delicate pavé...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage French-Made 18K Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl & 4.36ct Pavé Diamond Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Details: • Metal: 18K yellow gold • Origin: French-made with original French touch-mark • Pearl: 12.2 mm South Sea pearl with soft peacock overtone • Diamonds: Approx. 4.36 carat...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Square Diamond Ring Pave Set Ring 18KT White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Diamond ring made with brilliant diamonds in a square shape in 18KT white gold. ITEM#: PAO130-00025 GRAM WEIGHT: 5.11gr METAL: 18KT NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
18k Two Tone Gold 0.64ctw Pave & Bezel Diamond Covered East West Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - G Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.20ct (exact) (32) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$956Sale Price|25% Off
18k Yellow White Gold Round Pave Diamond 4 Row Band Ring 0.51 Cts
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Band ring featuring a stunning combination of white and yellow gold finely crafted in two tone 18 karat gold boasting four rows of round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.51 carats t...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval-Cut Emerald & Diamond Multi-Row Pavé Statement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing our exquisite Oval-Cut Emerald & Diamond Multi-Row Pavé Statement Ring in 18k White Gold, a true masterpiece that embodies elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
8 Carat Masterpiece Pave Diamond Snake Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking 18K white gold ring is a true statement piece, showcasing masterful craftsmanship and bold design. Weighing 20.50 grams, it features an extraordinary composition of bri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold 4ctw Pave Fiery Diamond Covered Bold Statement Stack Look Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Stock Number: MK-460250369 Bold Stack Look Fiery Diamond Covered Band Ring
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,696Sale Price|20% Off
Green Tourmaline Cocktail Ring With Pave Diamonds Made In 18k yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:4.434g, Diamond:0.77ct, Tourmaline:6.76ct, Size: US-7"
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.68 Carat F/VS1 Baguette Diamond Pavé Eternity Band Unisex Ring 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Carefully matched for symmetry and sparkle, the clean geometry of the baguette cuts lends a sophisticated and modern character to the design. Crafted in 18K white gold, the ring offe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Butterfly Brilliant Cut Pave Set Diamond Split Shank 18K Rose Gold Cute Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Butterfly Brilliant Cut Pave Set Diamond Split Shank 18K Rose Gold Cute Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.13 CT Diamonds of H Color VS Clarity Size 6.5
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$976Sale Price / item|20% Off
Round Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Infinity Pave Set Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Round Diamond 14K Gold Infinity Pave Set Diamond Ring is a timeless piece that blends elegance with modern design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 33 round brilliant cut = 0.33cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 6.25 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Weight:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL Brazilian Paraiba, Conch Pearls & Pave Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely stunning 3.66 ct. Brazilian paraiba with natural conch pearls and 3 carats of white diamonds. Handmade in 18k white gold. Ring size 6.75. Paraiba comes with AGL certifi...
Diamond, Pearl, Paraiba, White Gold
David Webb Pearl 3.10ct Round Cut Diamond Pave 18K Gold & Platinum Vintage Ring
By David Webb
Located in Aventura, FL
A Very Rare Vintage David Webb 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Mabe Pearl & 3.10 ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Statement / Cocktail Pave Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18k Gold 8.58ct AGL Oval Cabochon Emerald and Pave Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous, vintage, AGL certified emerald and diamond cocktail ring was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,224Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Butterfly 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Statement Pave Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Treat yourself or the ones you love with a Diamond Butterfly Fashion Ring. Perfect gift idea for Birthday, Holiday, Graduation, Anniversary, etc. Ring Information Gold : 14k, 18K (U...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
Pink Kunzite & White Diamond Pave Set Lilly Flower Floral 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.90x2.90x3.30cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "263 Fancy Diamonds 1.09 CT 1 MXKU 3.84 CT 18KR 14.28 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Our Jewe...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pave Set Round Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K Multi Colored Gold 2.45Cttw Size 6
Located in New York, NY
The ring is crafted in 18K white, yellow and rose gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.00 Carat D/VVS1 Princess Diamond Ring Pavé Band 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 18K white gold, this ring reflects meticulous craftsmanship and enduring sophistication, ideal for collectors seeking transparency, quality, and classic elegance. --- Deta...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$29,531Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Double Pavé Band Ring 2.4 Ct. Pear Cut Diamond Statement Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
A masterpiece of modern elegance, this stunning pear-shaped diamond ring is crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and designed to captivate from every angle.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Vintage 18K White Gold Half-Pavé Diamond Ring Size 50
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Bvlgari Vintage 18K White Gold Half-Pavé Diamond Ring Timeless vintage allure.
White Gold
GIA Certified 1.70 Carat E VVS1 Marquise Diamond Pavé North South Ring 18K Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gold color (Rose, White, or Yellow) and gold purity (14K or 18K), ring size, and length can be customized as per your requirements. 2.)
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Adamas Milano Italian Brown Diamond 18K White Gold Pave Checkered Cocktail Ring
By Adamas
Located in Miami, FL
The checkered motif is the show's star in this exquisitely designed piece and adds a delightful, edgy feel to this ring. The ring is crafted in 18K white gold, with black accents to...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, White Gold
David Yurman Thoroughbred Loop Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Full Pavé Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
-18k Yellow Gold -Diamonds: 0.44 total carat weight -Ring, 4mm -Ring size: 6.5 -Comes with David Yurman Ring Box -Retail: $3300
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pavé Diamond Flower & Pink Enamel Ladybug Split Shank Band Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This charming diamond ladybug ring blends whimsical design with refined elegance. The centerpiece features a sweet ladybug motif rendered in soft pink tones, creating a playful yet s...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$2,908Sale Price|20% Off
Cocktail Ring with Tourmaline Surrounded by Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18Kt gold:5.950g, Diamond:0.71ct, Tourmaline:7.82ct,"
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Gold
Oval Zambian Emerald and Pave Diamond Ring
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Be enthralled by this captivating 18kt Yellow Gold Oval Zambian Emerald and Pave Diamond Ring. Adorning the bezel set Oval Cut Zambian Emerald is diamond band. Handcrafted to perfect...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Small Diamond Pave Ring
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. Diamond pave ring 8 mm diameter approx. Ring size US 6.5, can be sized upon request. Exquisitely handcrafted in 18-karat ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,491Sale Price|20% Off
Long Ring with Emerald, Opal & Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt Gold:3.320gms, Diamond:1.03Cts, Silver:3.5gms, Emerald:0.83cts, Opal:2.00cts US-7.25
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
$4,180Sale Price|20% Off
Greek Key Maze Geometric Pavé Diamond Eternity Band Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Make a bold and timeless statement with this stunning Greek Key Geometric Design Diamond Eternity Band, expertly crafted in 18K solid white gold. Featuring a captivating geometric ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire & White Diamond Pave Floral Flower 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.10x3.50x2.50cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "1 Blue Sapphire 4.08 CT (GIA6462034614) 188 White Diamonds 2.59 CT 18KW 8.89 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,816Sale Price|20% Off
Nugget Shaped Black & White Pave Diamond Ring Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:11.66g,D:3.056ct,
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Majestic Bloom Jewelry Ring 18K White Gold Pave Diamonds- Handcrafted To Order
Located in ראשון לציון, IL
The composition centers on a fully blossomed flower accompanied by a delicately unfolding bud, both meticulously pavé set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The petals and ring band ...
Diamond, White Gold
Estate 18K White Gold Pave Diamond Red Coral Cabochon Cocktail Ring Sz 7.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A contemporary cocktail ring done in high polished 18K white gold and centered by a beautifully cut natural red coral cabochon surrounded by approximately 2ctw in H-J color Si1-2 cla...
Diamond, Coral, White Gold, 18k Gold
$105,000Sale Price|40% Off
7.71 Carat Round Cut Natural Diamond Pave Cluster Ring in 18K White Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
7.71 carat round cut natural diamond cluster ring in 18k white gold with 4.98 carats in white pave set diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 18K White & Rose Gold Pavé Diamond Ruby Sapphire Feather Band Ring Sz 7.5
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A vibrant contemporary ring crafted in 18K white gold, accented with warm rose gold pavé sections that give the design a rich, dimensional contrast.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Sea Koi Fish Orange Sapphire Diamond Pave & Green 18K Rose Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.10x2.70x2.50cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "7 Fancy Diamonds 0.06 CT 2 Green Garnet 0.06 CT 113 Orange Sapphire 1.51 CT 18KR 8.10 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Di...
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Red Ruby & Green Garnet and Diamond Pave Bee 18K Rose Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.00x1.70x2.30cm Color: 18K Rose Gold 7 Ruby 0.08 CT 1 Ruby 0.07 CT 7 White Diamonds 0.06 CT 18 Green Garnet 0.30 CT 18KR 3.44 GM 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone ...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.02 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring with Pavé Band in 18k White Gold
Located in Zurich, CH
The diamond is secured in a classic four-prong setting atop a polished 18k white gold band (750 hallmark).
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Extra Large Pavé Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Dome Ring, Circa 2000, 9 Carats TW
Located in South Pasadena, CA
9 Carats TW Extra Large Pave Diamond 18k yellow gold dome ring, ca' 2000.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.