$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
9ct Pavé Natural Diamond Eternity Band in 18K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
The full eternity design symbolizes everlasting love and commitment, while also delivering exceptional brilliance from every angle. Each diamond has been carefully selected and pavé...
Diamond, White Gold
RUCHI Ruby & Pavé Diamond White Gold Twist Shank Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Ring: US size 6.5. Rubies: 2.27ct total weight. Diamonds: 0.39ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$12,250Sale Price / item|30% Off
Yellow Radiant Cut 2.00 CT Diamond with Diamond Pave Cocktail Ring
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Natural 2.00 CT radiant cut yellow diamond cocktail ring. The wedding band is set in 18K yellow gold and platinum. This ring is a size 6. Can be sized upon request. This ring is cus...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$800Sale Price|20% Off
3 Stone Designer Sliced Emerald Ring with Pave diamonds in 18K Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Sized at US 7, it can be resized for a custom fit. Metal Details 18k Gold: 0.89g Silver: 2.5g Diamond Details Weight: 0.82ct Gemstone Details Emerald: 6.25ct (Sliced) Product Fea...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.17 Cttw. Diamond Pave' Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Reminiscent of spun silk & feeling just as luxurious on your finger, this royal 18 karat yellow gold ring is perfectly accented with 0.17 Cttw of fine, white diamonds pave set in c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.50 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond and Pavé Diamond Cocktail Ring, GIA Certified.
Located in New York, NY
The result is a refined and timeless statement of color and sophistication - equally suited as an engagement ring or a signature luxury piece. Details: Center Diamond: 1.01 Carat Fa...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Micro Pave Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Micro Pave Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring is a delicate yet dazzling piece, symbolizing unending love and brilliance.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Clack Ceramic Pavé Diamonds 18K White Gold Open Band Ring Size 8
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Cartier White Gold Diamond Ring with Black Ceramic, Kiss of the Angel Collection, Size 57, Stylish and Unisex
White Gold
Diana M. 14.77 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Pave Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Ring features 14.77 carat aquamarine, surrounded by 3.23 carats of diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 7.30 Carat Green Emerald Pave Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
a truly exceptional investment piece: a stunning 7.30-carat, minor-oil emerald ring of the highest quality. This magnificent emerald, prized for its natural beauty and purity, is ele...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Divas' Dream En Tremblant Pave Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 1.85 CTW
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari Divas' Dream En Tremblant Pave Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 1.85 CTW PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 113666 Listing Title: Bvlgari Divas' Dream En Tremblant Pave Diamond Ring in 18K ...
White Gold
Modern Diamond Band Ring in 18k White Gold, 1.00ct Pavé, G VS, Size FR 54 / US 6
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Crafted in luxurious 18k white gold, the band features a smooth, tapered silhouette adorned with three parallel pavé rows of brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.64C Cushion Sapphire 18K Pave Set Engagement Ring with Pear & Marrquis Halo
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Beautiful Color 1.64 Ct Cushion Shaped Sapphire set in a gorgeous 18k gold Pave set engagement Ring with halo of Pear and Marquise Shape Diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2.23 Carat Diamond Pave 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Crivelli
Located in Miami, FL
Dazzle with 2.23 carats of F-VS diamonds pave-set in 18kt white gold in this captivating Diamond Pave Ring. Details Diamond Pave Ring. 2.23ct F-VS Diamond Pave. 18kt. White Gold. Si...
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Nigaam Blushing Shield 1.9 Cts. Diamond Pave Dome Ring Size 7 in 18K Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
This ring features a unique dome design, meticulously pave-set with approximately 1.9 carats of dazzling round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$2,032Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Sapphire Cocktail Ring with Filigree Work in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:4.5g, Silver:28.07, Sapphire:5.71ct Size: 31X17X29MM"
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1ct Round diamond engagement ring 18KT yellow gold pave setting
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning SI1/G color center diamond accompanied by 0.60 carats of small diamonds in pave setting. The ring is made in 18KT yellow gold in size 6.5 and can be re-sized. WHAT YOU GET...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nigaam Apex Radiance 1.85 Cts. Diamond Pave Dome Ring Size 7 in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This ring features a unique dome design, meticulously pave-set with approximately 1.85 carats of dazzling round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Kt Gold Pavé Marquise Shaped Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Gold Pavé Marquise Shaped Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Diamonds : Brilliant Cut Natural Diamonds 1.8 Ct E/F VVS, Top Quality total Weight : 19.6 Gram / 12.7 dwt
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$5,190Sale Price|20% Off
Two- Tone Designer Ring Made in 18k Rose & White Gold with Pave Set of Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18KT:6.496g, Diamond:1.82ct, Size: US-7"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, White Gold
Pasquale Bruni 18kt white gold leaf flower pave diamond ring
By Pasquale Bruni
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Petit Garden Ring in 18 karat white gold with 0.75 carat diamonds. The jewels from the various collections by Pasquale Bruni match beautifully like the various leaf rings worn togeth...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
HARAKH Mandala Motif Pavé By-Pass Colorless Diamond Ring
By Harakh
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by sacred symbols that invoke divinity, the Mandala Ornate Dome Ring is elegantly adorned with brilliant and rose-cut diamonds. Stylish and versatile, this exquisite ring is...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Emerald Cut Diamonds with Single Halo Pavé Ring
Located in Wailea, HI
Shape and Cutting Style - Round Cornered Rectangular Modified Brilliant 3 stones 2.33 carat total weight Platinum pave Color I Clarity VS1 - VS2 Ring Size 6.5
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
0.55 Carat 18 Karat French Pave Set Diamond Eternity Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Eternity Ring maximizes brilliance of the diamonds by setting them in French Pave style.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,272Sale Price|20% Off
Rose Cut Diamonds Bow Shaped Knuckle Ring Adorned with Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Rose Cut Diamonds Bow Shaped Knuckle Ring, This stunning piece of jewelry effortlessly combines elegance and modernity, making it a must-have accessory for...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. T Narrow Pave Diamond Band -White Gold 18k Rd .45ctw Ring Sz 6 1/2
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
Collection: T Design: Narrow Pave Ring Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .45ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: E - F Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Tota...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning Simple Vintage 18 Karat Gold Micro Pave Diamond Ring Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Crafted in 18K White Gold, the ring features a gorgeous classic Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Center, set 4 Prong to really show off the beauty of the diamond, and flanked on each side...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rachel Koen Diamond Pave Ladies Wedding Band 18K White Gold 1.40cttw
Located in New York, NY
While the design of wedding rings is becoming more modern in many cases, the tradition and symbolism of the ring is as strong today as it’s ever been. Presenting a classic and elegan...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
RUCHI Colombian Emerald and Pavé Diamond White Gold Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Emerald- 1.91 Cts Diamond- 1.67 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Pavé Diamond and Emerald White Gold Teardrop Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond- 0.66ct Total Weight Emerald- 1.35ct Total Weight All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Pavé Diamond and Ruby White Gold Teardrop Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond- 0.84ct Total Weight Ruby- 1.70ct Total Weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Bulgari B.zero1 Pavé Diamond Ring in Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari B.zero1 pavé diamond ring set in 18k rose gold. The ring is set with exactly 144 round brilliant cut diamonds, all of which are spiral set within the ic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond Pave Set Oval Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Moguldiam Inc pave set diamond oval ring. The details are as follows: Diamond weight : 1.08 carat Metal : 18K white gold Ring Size : 6 1/2
White Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Yellow Diamond Ring 18KT 0.60ct Fancy Yellow Diamond Band Marriage Wedding
Located in Jupiter, FL
Diamond ring made with fancy yellow brilliant diamonds pave style in 18KT yellow gold. ITEM#: MTAM 110-00034 GRAM WEIGHT: 5.91gr METAL: 18KT NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Brilliant ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Round Diamond Halo Pave Twist Band Engagement Ring 1.50 Carat
Located in San Diego, CA
Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: 18Kt White Gold Size: 7 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 1.50 tcw Diamond Shape: Round Diamond 1.13 cts Diamond Color & Clarity: G color, I1 cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Pave Diamond Hinged Chiclet Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A modern-day take on the Signet Ring, Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Diamond Hinged Chiclet Ring sparkles with bright, white pave diamonds. Its flattering chiclet or antique cushion shapem...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18kt White Gold Mattioli Hiroko Ring Pave Set with Diamonds
By Mattioli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18kt Whit Gold Mattioli Hiroko Ring Pave Set With Diamonds Diamonds: 264 brilliant cut diamonds Material: 18kt White gold Ring size: 51.9 EU / 6 US ( can be resized for f...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Rachel Koen Pave Diamond Ladies Wedding Band 18K White Gold 2.00cttw
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, 18k Gold, White Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels 1.50 Ct Diamond Solitaire Pavé Engagement Ring
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless expression of elegance and craftsmanship from the legendary Maison Van Cleef & Arpels. This authentic diamond solitaire engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 1.02 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pavé Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This modern waved design 18 carat white gold mount is beautifully set with a row of 55 pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds totalling to approximately 0.60ct. The band weighs 10.67g...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Qeelin BoBo Ring Pavé-set Pink Sapphires White Diamonds 18K White Gold Size 51
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Materials: Typically crafted from 18K white gold . Gemstones: The pink color comes from being pavé-set with rubies, accented by white diamonds on the crown and black diamonds for the...
Blue Sapphire Pave & Green Tsavorite Frog 18K White Gold Statement Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy Jewelry Our Animal and Fantasy Jewelry Collections celebrate artistry, imagination, and the beauty of nature. Crafted in luxu...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unique Cabochon Sapphire and Emerald Ring with Pavé Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Command attention with this breathtaking ring, hand-crafted in the Haruni atelier. Featuring the unusual combination of a 3.17 carat emerald and a 5.35 carat sapphire – both shield c...
Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Kt Big Baroque 14.8mm Pearl & Pavé set Diamonds Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Big Baroque Pearl & Pavé set Diamonds Ring Pearl : Big 14.8 mm Baroque Pearl Diamonds : 2.06 Ct Size : 53 EU / 6 1/2 US ( can be resized for free) Weight : 11.5 Gram
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pave Blue Diamonds Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents a luxurious 18K Yellow Gold Ring adorned with 2,40 carats of stunning pavé-set Blue Diamonds.
Blue Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18k White Gold Full Pavé Diamond Two-Coil Wrap Ring SizeM
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A mesmerizing fusion of audacity and elegance, this Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring is a modern reinterpretation of the Maison’s legendary icon. Crafted with masterful precision, the "tw...
White Gold
Vintage Pave Diamond Gold Dome Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Pave Diamond Dome Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring. Securely Hand set throughout with Diamonds, weighing approx. 4.00tcw.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,822Sale Price|20% Off
One Of A Kind Emerald & Diamond Ring Accented With Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:9.054g,D:4.08ct, Emer:1.78ct,
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.50 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond and Pave’ diamonds Cocktail Ring, GIA Certified.
Located in New York, NY
Encircling the captivating center stone are 17 round brilliant white Diamonds, complemented by an enchanting arrangement of 29 yellow diamond pavé stones that elegantly dance along t...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Dome Ring 18KT White Gold Pave Set Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Pave set diamond ring made with sapphires in 18KT white gold. ITEM: RTF200-00045 GRAM WEIGHT: 4.17gr GOLD: 18KT white gold NATURAL SAPPHIRE Cut: Round Color: Blue Clarity: Moderately...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Surgarloaf Pave Diamond Ring by Goshwara
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Striking in 18k yellow gold and iconic surgarloaf shape, this ring is accented with a halo of pave set diamonds and a diamond studded band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
H & H 4.18 Carat Oval Sapphire and Diamond Pave Ring
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
H & H 4.18 Carat Oval Sapphire and Diamond Pave Ring This is a stunning handmade, one of a kind blue sapphire and diamond ring. It is made of 18 karat white gold and palladium. ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Triple Row Pave 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Diamond Open Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience elegance redefined with the Perfect Triple Row Pave 14K White Gold Diamond Open Band Ring, crafted from radiant 14K White Gold.
14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Signet Ring with Baguette Diamond Center
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 110 round brilliant cut = 3.52cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Diamonds: 2 baguette cut = 0.27cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Ring size: 6....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Kt Gold Pavé Black & White Diamonds Engagement /Fashion Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLDEN RING WITH BLACK & WHITE DIAMONDS, TOTAL 3.15 CT THE INSIDE IS HEARTSHAPES COPLETELY CUT OUT IN 18 KT GOLD NEXT TO EACH OTHER. MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold SIZE: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.65ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Pavé Wedding Band in 18k White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant band is perfect for complementing an engagement ring or wearing alone. The 18k white gold shank is adorned with 1.65ct of round brilliant cut diamonds in a pave setting,...
Diamond, 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.
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