Modern Wrap 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Pave Pear Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Modern Wrap 14K Yellow Gold Pave Pear Cut Diamond Ring is a striking fusion of modern design and radiant elegance.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Emerald Three Stone Ring with Pavé Diamond Halo in Two-Tone 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 7 Bright and beautiful emerald three-stone ring with shimmering pave diamonds. Crafted in lustrous two-tone 18 karat gold, this ring showcases a captivating display of vi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Kt White Gold Dome Full Pavé Diamond Ring, Black & White Diamonds
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT RING WHITE GOLD WITH BLACK & WHITE DIAMONDS, Amazing Piece of Art. MATERIAL: 18 kt solid white gold DIAMONDS: white brilliant cut diamonds (together ca. 4.80 Cts F/G VS , bl...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Eighteen Karat White Gold Pave Ring with Two Carats Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This pave diamonds ring is made of 18 karat white gold with 121 natural F/G, SI diamonds, 2,28 carats in total. We work with german gems company, that is in the market since 19th cen...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold,...
2 Carat Oval Diamond M/I1 GIA Pave Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This oval cut diamond solitaire is set in a handmade four-prong 18K Yellow Gold mounting with a diamond pavé band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold Full Finger Rectangle Pavé Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k white gold Diamonds: 153 round brilliant cut = 3.89cttw Color: G Clarity: VS Size: 7 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing reque...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Surgarloaf Pave Diamond Ring by Goshwara
By Goshwara
Located in Troy, MI
Forming a silhouette of perfect proportions, this striking 18k yellow gold and iconic surgarloaf shaped ring is accented with a halo of pave set diamonds and a diamond studded band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wrap Band 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Minimal Pave Diamond Open Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Radiate brilliance with the Wrap Band 14K Yellow Gold Minimal Pave Diamond Open Ring, crafted from 14K gold in your choice of yellow or white gold.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.20 Carat white Diamond Dome Pave 18 Karat White Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
3.20 carat white sparkly diamonds, G/H color, VS clarity, hand set in 18k white gold ring, with the best Italian craftsmanship in New York, by Ferrucci NY, classy, sophisticated, ri...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Handcrafted Pave Diamond Snake Wrap Ring In 18KT Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This striking 18KT yellow gold snake ring offers a blend of ancient symbolism and contemporary luxury. The slender, winding silhouette is meticulously set with brilliant-cut diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.70 Carat Pave Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bar Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This incredible ring is a unique one, with open sides and a squared frame for the shank. The top of the ring is a rounded bar covered in pave round diamonds, 0.70ctw, set in 18kt yel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cushion Shape Diamond Pave' Flexible Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Regal in rich 18 karat yellow gold, this fun ring boasts 16 round diamonds = 0.18 Cttw pave' set in cushion shaped center! Diamonds are VS clarity and G/H color. Ring is uber comfort...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Cushion Shape Diamond Pave' Flexible Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Regal in rich 18 karat white gold, this fun ring boasts 16 round diamonds = 0.18 Cttw pave' set in cushion shaped center! Diamonds are VS clarity and G/H color. Ring is uber comforta...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Kurt Wayne .63 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Pave Band Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Stamford, CT
Kurt Wayne pave diamond swirl ring circa 1990. 49 mixed sized diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. 49 mixed size round diamonds, G-H VS-SI approx. .63cts Size 6 and sizable 18k yellow...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mini Heart Band Pave 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mini Heart Band Pave 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Ring features the timeless beauty of natural diamonds set in 14K yellow gold.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,303Sale Price|20% Off
Long Ring with Tanzanites Stones & Ice Diamonds Surrounded by Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold:1.6gms, Diamond:3.177cts, Silver:9.03gms, Tanzanite:4.95cts" US-7
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$8,320Sale Price|20% Off
Coral and Pave Set Diamonds Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite coral and diamond ring. Pear cabochon coral surrounded by 4.08ct of round cut diamonds, pave set in 18-karat white gold.
Diamond, Coral, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rachel Koen Three Row Pave Diamond Wedding Band 18K White Gold 0.65cttw
Located in New York, NY
Diamond color I and SI-I clarity. The ring is crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
HRD Certified White Gold Dome Ring with 2.55ct Pavé Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The HRD Certified White Gold Dome Ring is a breathtaking display of luxury and elegance. Crafted from 18-karat white gold, this ring boasts a stunning dome-shaped design that exudes ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Audrey French Pave Eternity Ring '1 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
It sparkles like no other eternity ring. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Me...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Audrey French Pave Eternity Ring '1 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
It sparkles like no other eternity ring. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Me...
Diamond, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Audrey French Pave Eternity Ring '1 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
It sparkles like no other eternity ring. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Me...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Rare Colors - Fancy Intense Yellow Radiant with Diamond Pave Dome Ring
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
Discover the beauty of this Half Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Radiant with Diamond Pave Dome Ring. Featuring a 0.52 carat elongated radiant cut center diamond, its vibrant yellow hue i...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18kt White and Yellow Gold 7.94 Carat Pavé Diamond Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt White & Yellow Gold 7.44 ct Pavé Diamond Ring One of a kind craftsmanship . Amazing top quality diamond ring fitting like a glove and making you shine day after day. Diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Cut Diamond Mint Tourmaline Turquoise Pink Spinel Alexandrite Pavé Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
Handcrafted in Belgium, this ring embodies Joke Quick's passion for colour, artistry and exceptional craftsmanship. 18K Yellow Gold: 10.8 g 925 sterling silver : 1.9 g Gemstones: 5...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Alexandrite, Spinel, Turquoise, White Diamond, Yell...
Pavé White & Black Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A bold and contemporary 18 karat white gold diamond band featuring a striking mixed-diamond design. The ring is set with approximately 1.00 carat total weight of white round brillian...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Lauren French Pave Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning ring features French pave diamonds, a setting style that allows light to reach our perfectly matched diamonds from many angles.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Lauren French Pave Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning ring features French pave diamonds, a setting style that allows light to reach our perfectly matched diamonds from many angles.
Diamond, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Lauren French Pave Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning ring features French pave diamonds, a setting style that allows light to reach our perfectly matched diamonds from many angles.
Diamond, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Lauren French Pave Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning ring features French pave diamonds, a setting style that allows light to reach our perfectly matched diamonds from many angles.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Lauren French Pave Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning ring features French pave diamonds, a setting style that allows light to reach our perfectly matched diamonds from many angles.
Diamond, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Lauren French Pave Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning ring features French pave diamonds, a setting style that allows light to reach our perfectly matched diamonds from many angles.
Diamond, White Gold
1.20 Carat Round Sapphire Micro Pavé Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and Micro Pavé diamond 18k white gold engagement ring. The round-shaped 1.20ct sapphire gemstone is mounted in a 18k white gold setting with a halo of round cut micro pave d...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.50 Carat Pave Diamond Band Ring 18 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: Approx. 1.50ctw of Pave Set Round Cut Diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Size: 7 Weight: 3.2dwt Additional Details: This ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$28,700Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 8.35ct Diamond Eternity Band with Pave 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning natural round diamond eternity band with pave baskets, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 15 round brilliant diamonds, 7.57 carats. Approximately H/I color and VS clarity. Complime...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Valmonte Pave Face Diamond Signet Ring, by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
By Martyn Lawrence Bullard 1
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Unisex 18k white gold sheild shaped 2.61 ct diamond pave face set with old cut diamonds . Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Can be made in rose or yellow gold, any size, lead ti...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.00ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Pavé Wedding Band in 18k White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This feminine band is perfect for wearing alone or pairing with your engagement ring. The unique 18k white gold setting is adorned with 1.00ct of bright, white round diamonds in a mi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Thin Yellow Gold Diamonds Pavé Stackable Band Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
18k gold thin band ring, stackable rings, with approximately 0.30 carat of white diamonds G color, VS clarity, hand set, comfortable fit, the band measure 1.5 mm width Wear single or...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine & Green Garnet Sapphire Diamond Pave Butterfly Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 5.30x4.30x4.40cm Color: 18K Yellow Gold Materials: "2 Aquamarine 1.38 CT 22 Black Diamonds 0.98 CT 176 Fancy Diamonds 3.18 CT 20 Green Garnet 2.08 CT 16 Orange Sapphire 1...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Diamond Pavé Cluster Ring with Agate, 2.00ctw, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This Rose Gold Diamond Pavé Ring with Agate is an exquisite piece that combines the organic beauty of brown agate with the sparkle of bezel-set and pavé-set diamonds. The intricate d...
Diamond, Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
6.24 carat Oval Star Sapphire with Pave Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
6.24 carat Oval Star Sapphire with Pave Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring features a 6.24 carat Oval Blue Star Sapphire with a nicely defined star under dir...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Thin Rose Gold Diamonds Pavé Stackable Band Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
18k Rose gold thin band ring, stackable rings, with approximately 0.30 carat of white diamonds G color, VS clarity, hand set, comfortable fit, the band measure 1.5 mm width Wear sing...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18kt White Gold Modern Pavé Diamond Ring, 3.30ct, By Crivelli, Italy
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLD PAVE DIAMONDS Ring MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold DIAMONDS: b 3.30, Color E/F, Purity VVS/VS WEIGHT: 22.70 gr RING SIZE : EU 54
Diamond, 18k Gold
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5.02 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring with pavé
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite GIA certified ring features a stunning 5.02 carat cushion cut diamond, set in an 18k white gold band adorned with pavé diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Pavè Bubble Engagement Ring with 1.02ct I VS2 Round Diamond
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Pavè Bubble Engagement Ring with 1.02ct I VS2 Round Diamond Pavè dome bubble halo in 18k Yellow Gold & PT950 Center Stone: 1.02ct I VS2 Round Shape Diamond GIA#6415813071 Size 6
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,851Sale Price|20% Off
Ornamental Design Long Ring With Sapphire, Opal & Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt Gold:1.84gms, Diamond:1.35cts, Silver:9.64gms, Blue Sapphire:1.72CT, Opal Doublet:3.10C
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Micro Pave Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim 18k gold micro pave diamond eternity band ring with round brilliant cut diamonds Diamonds .46 tcw Width 2mm Size 5.5 - can be resized Similar bands also shown, sold sep...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin Martellato Iconic Designer Pave Diamond Gold 18mm Band Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Montreal, QC
This Exquisite 18mm Band Ring is Hand crafted in Hammered 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald 18k White Gold Toi Et Moi Oval Pavé Statement Dome Bombé Style Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Off-center are two Emeralds, weighing 5.90 carats in total, prong-set. The ring is set with 4.0 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds, all pavé-set, meticulously to perfection, cre...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri Color Gold and Diamond Pave triple Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2020 Cartier Trinity Collection band Ring, 3 inter connecting rings of 18k Rose, Yellow and White Gold each measuring 2 M.M wide, the White Ring is Pave set with Fine White Rou...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Lightning Ridge Black Opal + Paraiba Tourmaline + Diamond Mosaic Pave Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
Discover the beauty and precision of Belgian craftsmanship in this one-of-a-kind ring by jewellery designer Joke Quick, featuring mesmerising black opals from Lightning Ridge, Austra...
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Black Opal, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, S...
18kt White Gold Modern Pavé Diamond Ring by Joël Glecer, 2.15cts
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT SOLID WHITE GOLD RING PAVE DIAMONDS MATERIAL: 18 kt solid white gold SIZE: 55 ( can be resized for free ) WEIGHT: 15.2 grams/ 9.8 dwt / 0.535 oz DIAMONDS: 160 brilliant cut...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
David Yurman Ladies Eden Eternity 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond Wedding Band
By David Yurman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lady's DAVID YURMAN made polished 18K Rose gold, diamond contemporary-style wedding band with a half-round shank. Engraved with "750". The "David Yurman" trademark (or hallmark) can ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
David Yurman Ladies Eden Partway 18K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Wedding Band
By David Yurman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lady's DAVID YURMAN made polished 18K yellow gold, diamond contemporary-style wedding band with a half-round shank. Engraved with "750". The "David Yurman" trademark (or hallmark) ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$792Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond 0.35CT 18 Karat White Gold Pavé Minimalistic Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Indulge in the sheer elegance of the Natural Diamond 0.35CT 18 Karat White Gold Pavé Ring. This exquisite piece of jewelry is a radiant celebration of sophistication and style. Cra...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.50 Carat White Diamond Pave Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
FERRUCCI diamond pave' band, a wrap of sparkling white diamonds, G color, VS clarity, for an approximate total carat weight of 2.50 carats, hand made in New York City with the best I...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona White Diamond Pavé 18 Karat White Gold Signet Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold diamond pavé signet ring featuring 2.96 carats of white diamonds, F color, VVS1 clarity. Can also be worn as P...
White Diamond, 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.