GIA 0.93 Ct E/VS2 Marquise Diamond in a Pave Set 18K Engagement Ring with Halo
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A perfect made Marquise Shape E/VS2 GIA certified center Diamond set in a fine 18k gold pave set Engagement Ring with Halo and total weight of 0.68 Ct diamonds on the side.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elegant Timeless Dome Shaped 18 white Gold Diamond Pavé Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This 18 K white Gold exemplifies exquisite simplicity!
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Mia Petite French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
$883Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold Mia Petite French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$883Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Mia Petite French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Mia Mini French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,162Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1 1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Rose Gold
18k Yellow Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1 1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold Mia Mini French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Rose Gold
$2,162Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, White Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Mia Mini French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, White Gold
White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Multi Row Pavé Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Multi Row Pavé Ring Description: This cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features a central 1.76-carat round ruby with a deep purp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Valmonte Pave Diamond Signet Ring, by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
By Martyn Lawrence Bullard 1
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Unisex 18k yellow gold Signet Ring, sheild shape pave set old cut diamond face Made by Martyn Lawrence Bullard Can be made in rose or white gold, any size, lead time 4 weeks
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,148Sale Price|20% Off
Pear Shaped Emerald & Diamond Spiral Ring Accented With Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:3.72g,D:0.211ct Emer:0.54ct
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$5,700Sale Price|40% Off
18 Karat 2-Tone 4.15 Carat Diamond Pave' Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat 2 tone diamond pave' ring, containing 322 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality, color "G", clarity VS and weighing 4.15cts. ring size is 6.5 but can be sized to fit ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ole Lynggaard snake ring pave diamonds and green tourmaline
By Ole Lynggaard
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Charlotte and her father Ole Lynggaard designed this green tourmaline and diamond ring which is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and set with 220 diamonds totalling 0.82 carat TW.VS...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pavé Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Piano Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Unique cocktail ring featuring 231 round brilliant cut diamonds, all pavé set in open back settings, totalling to an approximate weight of 3.50ct. What makes this ring unique are the...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
.54 Carat Pave Diamond Yellow Gold Dome Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's Diamond dome band ring. 32 round brilliant cut pave diamonds in a three row 18k yellow gold band setting. 32 round brilliant cut diamonds, G-H VS approx. .54cts Size 6.75 and...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Bow Pave Blue Emerald Strip Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite ring by Van Cleef & Arpels showcases beautiful craftsmanship in 18k yellow gold. The design features a central blue enamel accent that adds a vibrant touch, while two ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RUCHI White & Black Pavé Diamond White Gold Curvy Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Black Diamond- 1.47 Cts Diamond- 1.37 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Pave Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous pave diamond ring by Cartier. The ring features 75 high quality round brilliant cut diamonds graded E-F color and VVS clarity. The 4.25 carat of shimmering diamonds are pave...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,630Sale Price / item|30% Off
Ralph Masri '1919' 18kt White Gold Diamond Pavé Ring
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Elegant 18kt white gold ring from Ralph Masri's '1919' Bauhaus-inspired collection, set with diamonds (2.40cts).
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.78 Carat Diamond Butterfly Ring with French Pave Set Shank
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful fun ring made if 18K White Gold. Stones: Diamonds: 2 Marquise Shaped (TW:1.03 Ct) and 2 Pear Shaped Diamonds (TW:0.38 Ct) and 13 Round Brilliant Diamonds (TW:0.37 Ct)-...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire Multi-Gemstone Pave Set Lilly Flower 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.60x3.30x3.20cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "11 Brown Diamonds 0.12 CT 128 Blue Sapphire 2.93 CT 10 White Diamonds 0.07 CT 3 Fancy Diamonds 0.11 CT 10 Green Garnet ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Double Pave Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Double Pave Diamond Band Ring by Cartier.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Roman + Jules Fancy Colored Overlapping Diamond Pavé Ring Set in 18k Tri-Color G
Located in Los Gatos, CA
This elegant 18K tri-color gold ring is characterized by a precise overlapping design. It features 2.65 carats of 58 round brilliant fancy light pink diamonds, 91 round brilliant fan...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18 Karat Gold Double Halo Pave Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black Enamel Swirl Diamond Pave Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Approximately 3.00 carats of diamonds; they are F-G color and VS clarity. Ring stamped: "Italy, 18K, 750" Ring size 7.25
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
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
Pave Diamond Chain Link 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pave Diamond Chain Link 14K Yellow Gold Statement Ring is an elegant creation in 14K yellow gold, featuring natural diamonds with a total carat weight of 0.40ct.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Certified 4.91ctw Fine Quality Emerald & Diamond Shield French Pave Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* Art Deco Style 4.91ctw Fine Quality Zambian Emerald & Diamond Octagon Shield French Pave Ring in 18k Two-Tone Gold Add the influence of the Art Deco Era to your fine jewelry col...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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
$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
Pave Diamonds Radiant 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Open Wrap Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pave Diamonds Radiant 14K Yellow Gold Open Wrap Ring is a timeless masterpiece crafted from 14K Yellow Gold, embodying elegance and sophistication.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Modern Pave White Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Open Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Modern Pave White Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Open Ring is a timeless symbol of grace and sophistication.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Five Row Pave Diamond 6 Carat Engagement Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one of a kind elegant and artistically crafted pave set five row diamond 18K yellow gold diamond wedding/engagement/anniversary band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$1,950
Pavé Diamond Domed Band
Located in New York, NY
Pavé Diamond Domed Band A softly contoured white gold band designed with a full pavé surface of round diamonds across the top half of the ring. The gently domed silhouette allows th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 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
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Wide Pavé Diamond Eternity Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels wide pavé diamond eternity band in 18K yellow gold. The band features 156 round brilliant-cut diamonds that total approximately 7 carats, F-G color and VVS2-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Milgrain Pavé Diamond Band
Located in New York, NY
Milgrain Pavé Diamond Band A slim white gold band featuring a delicate row of round diamonds set in a continuous pavé formation across the top. Fine milgrain detailing runs along th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Messika 18kt yellow gold diamond ring Glam’Azone double pave
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
What a magnificient diamond ring for women! Discover the yellow gold pavé diamond double ring Glam’Azone. Terribly glamorous, the Glam’Azone rings play with the contrasts. An openwor...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Turquoise Round 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Diamond Center Pave Enamel Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Turquoise Round 14K Gold Diamond Center Pave Enamel Ring is a luxurious piece crafted from 14K yellow gold, featuring a combination of natural diamonds, fancy diamonds, and turqu...
Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
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. Di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Harry Winston Lily Cluster Pavé Round Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size 53
By Harry Winston
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Lily Cluster Diamond Ring from the luxury jeweler Harry Winston. Inspired by the elegance of lilies in bloom, the Lily Cluster collection is based on 1940s archive sketches from H...
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
$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
Cushion Cut Emerald & Diamond Pavé Statement Ring in 18KT Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Showcase timeless luxury with this captivating 18KT rose gold ring featuring a vibrant cushion-cut green emerald center stone. Encircled by a sparkling double halo of brilliant-cut d...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 18k 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
Diana M. 18K White Gold 10.00 Carat Pave Diamond Cigar Band
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond cigar band weighing 10.00 cts tw, E-F color, VS Clarity Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fine jewelry for over 35 years. Diana M is...
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
$19,200Sale 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
Bold Elegance Micro Pave 14K (18k upon request)Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bold Elegance Micro Pave 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring is a captivating piece set in 14K yellow gold, featuring natural fancy diamonds and vibrant emeralds.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.