Ponte Vecchio 18K Pave Diamond Flower Ring
By Ponte Vecchio
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage Ponte Vecchio 18k gold ring featuring a cluster of brilliant-cut diamonds. The design combines rose and white gold, creating a striking contrast. The piece is both contempora...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
2.97 Carat Cushion Tanzanite Diamond Gold Pave Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pave Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The Center Stone is a Cushion Cut Tanzanite 2.97 Carats There are 0.99 Carats in Diamonds F/G VS/SI The ring is a size 6.50, sizable Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Spiga Pave Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bvlgari Spiga Pavé Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold This Bvlgari Spiga ring is made in 18K white gold and features approximately 0.65 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Ridged Gold Pave Diamond Foliage Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
Cartier 18K Ridged Gold Pave Diamond Foliage Ring Marked: Cartier 1994 750 53 Approximate Dimensions: 6 - 6.25 (Ring Size) 1 cm (Width) Approximately 1.42 (+ / -) carats (Diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$15,800
Diamond Pavé Ring
Located in São Paulo, BR
The pear-shaped cut of this ring gives the piece a unique elegance, while the surrounding diamond pavé adds a touch of glamour and luxury.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Rose Gold Diamond Pave Set Diamond Ring
Located in New York, US
This stunning ring is crafted in luxurious 18k rose gold and features an opulent pavé setting of diamonds that envelops the entire outer surface.
Diamond, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Pave Band Ring 1.48ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' custom 18k white gold and diamond pave band ring. Stamped 18k, 750, D148.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold and Pave Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Cartier Ring. Crafted in luminous 18K white gold, this ring features pave set round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.50 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Micro Pave Diamond Ring Dainty Diamond Ring Trendy Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Diamond Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio. Lightweight and gorgeous, these are a great gi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold Diamond Pave Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold Diamond Pave Ring Diamond: 3.04ctw Color: G-H Clarity: VS1/VS2 Ring size: 6 SKU: LPO01327 Retail price: $17,695.00
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond 18K White Gold Pave Dome Wide Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating cocktail ring adorned with 5.16 carats of round white diamonds. The diamonds are meticulously set to create a dazzling display. Crafted in 18k white gold, the ring embo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Danhier Square Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Danhier Square Pave Diamond Ring This stunning Danhier Pave Diamond Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Fancy Diamond Pave Set 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Experience the allure of modern elegance with our exquisite Diamond Pavé Ring. This captivating piece, set in luxurious gold, features a dazzling array of white diamonds totaling 1....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century 33-Diamond Pavé Cluster Band in 18 K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Discover a celebration of light and form in this sumptuous late 20th century cluster band. Crafted in 18 K (750‰) yellow gold, the ring’s broad, gently tapering shank supports three ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Diamond Heart Ring Pave Heart Ring Engagement Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Art Nouveau Style Ring with Diamond is made of 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Diamond Pave Set 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.00x2.70x2.20cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "65 Fancy Diamonds 0.61 CT 18KR 6.15 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Our Jewelry Collections c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Gold Band Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Brightness adorns this ring. Its edges are raised 18k yellow gold polished to mirror-like shine.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sebastian Bernards EGL 2.08 Ct K/VS2 Pave Set 18 Karat Engagement Ring with Halo
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Beautiful K/VS2 EGL Certified 2.08 Ct Square Cushion Cut Natural center Diamond set in a gorgeous 18k White Two Tone Pave set Engagement Ring with Halo.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold 1.01tcw Diamond Pave Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k white gold and features a dome design set with pave diamonds totaling approximately 1.01 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Pave 18k White Gold Snail Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating snail design graces this contemporary animal ring. The snail’s shell is adorned with round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5 carats. The range ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Diamond Pave & Ruby 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.10x2.50x2.00cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "51 White Diamonds 0.39 CT 2 Ruby 0.02 CT 18KW 3.27 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vhernier Eclisse 18k gold ring with pavé diamonds
By Vhernier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18K gold and diamonds. Diamonds 100, ct. 1,17. Diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS New Rest of Boutique Stock.- Ring weight 25.55gr Ring Size 17 Europe Serial number 259515 In...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Handcrafted 18k Rose Gold Diamond pavé ring US 6
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, SH
Style Details 18k rose gold Flat diamond pavé drop on top 32 champagne diamonds This piece has been certified in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973 Size and Fit Drop size 6 x ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Gold Pear Shaped Diamond Ring Diamond Wedding Ring Pave Cluster Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pear Shaped Diamond Ring is made of 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Another minimalist ring from our Ring Collection. This g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 18k Rose Gold Diamond pavé ring US 7.75
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, SH
Style Details 18k rose gold Flat diamond pavé drop on top 32 champagne diamonds This piece has been certified in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973 Size and Fit Drop size 6 x ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Rose Gold 0.82ctw Round Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Rose Gold 0.82ctw Round Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring Material: 18k Rose Gold Style: 18k Rose Gold Round Diamond Pavé Open-Work Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18k Gold Micro Pave Diamond Wedding Ring Dainty Cluster Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Diamond Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio. Lightweight and gorgeous, these are a great gi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Micro Pave Wedding Diamond Ring Half Eternity Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Diamond Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamonds. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold Lightweight an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Diamond Heart Ring With Solitaire Diamond Pave Heart Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Micro Pave Wedding Diamond Ring Half Eternity Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these are a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.28 Carats Diamond Pave Two Tone Gold Bypass Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Bypass Ring The ring is 18K White & Rose Gold There are 3.28 Carats in Diamonds F/G VS/SI The ring measures 1 2/16" North to South The ring measures 1" West to East The rin...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,244Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold 1.20ct Pave Emerald & 0.12ct Pave Diamond Fancy Cluster Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
We ship from Thailand- International buyers are responsible for any applicable import duties, taxes, or customs fees levied by their destination country. These charges are not inclu...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 0.47ct Pavé Diamond Band Ring
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
A sculptural and expressive vintage diamond band ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring natural round diamonds totaling approximately 0.47 carats in a shimmering pavé settin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified 1.14 Carat Round Ruby Diamond Gold Pave Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pave Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The Center Stone is a Round Ruby 1.14 Carats The Ruby is AGL Certified Heated There are 0.77 Carats in Diamonds F/G VS/SI The ring is a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Coral Ring 18K Gold Black Rodium
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This magnificent ring features a large, smooth coral centerpiece weighing 6.98 grams, enveloped in a luxurious embrace of sparkling white diamonds totaling 0.85 carats and natts diam...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
AGL Certified 0.89 Carat Round Ruby Diamond Gold Pave Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Round Halo Pave Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The Center Stone is a Round Ruby 0.89 Carats The Ruby is AGL Certified Heated There are 0.81 Carats in Diamonds F/G VS/SI Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gucci 18k White Gold Diamond Pave Chiodo Nail Ring
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
This luxurious Gucci ring reimagines the industrial elegance of a nail in fine jewelry form, crafted from solid 18k white gold and encrusted with brilliant pavé-set diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,704Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Domed Diamond Pave Ring – 3.19 Carats
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Dramatic and dazzling, this 18K white gold dome ring is masterfully pavé-set with 3.19 carats of round brilliant white diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Platinum & 18K Gold Two Tone Pave Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tone band ring in platinum 900 and 18K yellow gold featuring pave-set round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.73 carats (E-F/VS) covering domed center section.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage pearl diamond 18k white gold pave cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage pearl and diamond pavé cocktail ring is a striking statement of elegance and craftsmanship.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Hexagon Pavé Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A bold expression of modern elegance, this 18K yellow gold wide band ring showcases a striking hexagonal lattice design, pavé-set with approximately 1.5 carats of brilliant-cut diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Pavé Diamond Dome Ring, 1.50 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
Sleek and contemporary dome ring crafted in solid 18K white gold, designed with a wide pavé-set diamond surface that offers exceptional brilliance and presence on the hand.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold and Pave Diamond X Style Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A stylized 18K yellow gold ring, with an "X" motif of pave' set diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Micro Pave Stacking Ring Thin Dainty Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Beautiful, high-quality diamond wedding bands are set in 18K pure gold. This eternity ring is ideal as an engagement or wedding band and looks excellent either alone or stacked with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Pavé Motif 18K White Gold Ring Wide Band
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite 18K white gold ring is a true masterpiece of modern jewelry design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,500 / item
0.70 Carat Pave Diamond Wrap Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with our 0.70 Carat Pave Diamond Wrap Ring in 18K White Gold. This exquisite piece exudes timeless sophistication, featuring a brilliant 0.70-carat diamond meticul...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 1.78ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Adorn yourself with our sophisticated 18K White Gold ring, featuring a dazzling 1.5ct cushion-cut natural diamond, graded I in color and VS1 in clarity. This exquisite centerpiece is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Pave Diamond Two Bar Ring Parallel Bar Ring Diamond Bar Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Bar Ring is made of 18k solid gold available in three colors of gold, White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Brilliant Diamond Ring in 18k gold featured with natural white sp...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring, 3.88 CTW
Located in Orlando, FL
18K Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring, 3.88 CTW Metal: 18K yellow gold throughout Diamonds: Round brilliant cut diamonds, 3.88 CTW total (weight stamped in shank), F color...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,500 / item
0.70 Carat Pave Diamond Wrap Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Adorn yourself with sophistication and radiance through our 0.70 Carat Pave Diamond Wrap Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. This captivating piece features a dazzling 0.70-carat diamond expert...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite 0.30ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This captivating 18K white gold ring features a stunning design, perfect for adding a touch of brilliance to any outfit. The G color grade signifies near-colorless diamonds, while th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Pave Salamander 18K White Gold Ring, circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This daring 1970s salamander ring in 18K white gold is an eccentric and powerful statement piece, featuring an intricate pave design encrusted with 2.82 carats of round brilliant cut...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Pavé Diamond Bombé Crossover Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is set in 18k yellow gold and features a crossover design where two pavé-set diamond bands intersect at the center.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Stylish 0.51ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Captivate hearts with this exquisite 18K white gold cocktail ring featuring a stunning 0.30ct round brilliant diamond as its centerpiece, accented by a halo of 10 dazzling round bril...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Wide Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Crossover band Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This wide pavé diamond band ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and designed with a polished crossover motif that recalls the shape of a stylized leaf.
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Stunning 0.11ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This exquisite piece features a sparkling cluster of 12 round brilliant diamonds, boasting a total carat weight of 0.11 carats. The G color grade signifies near-colorless diamonds, w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$5,039Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamond Flower Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
Pave Diamond Flower ring in 18kt white gold, from Garavelli Minuette floral collection. Diamonds total weight carat 0.93 Produced in Italy Details: 18kt white gold grams 6,50 whit...
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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Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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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.