Cartier Pavé Diamond Set Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a timeless diamond ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. This wonderful piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and displays five glistening rows ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Elegant 0.41ct Diamond Pave Ring in 18K Rose Gold – GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
This romantic engagement ring features a 0.4ct round brilliant natural diamond (K color, SI2 clarity) set in warm 18K rose gold. Accented by 20 smaller round diamonds (0.01ct, K colo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Timeless 1.08ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k White Gold - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Timeless 1.08ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k White Gold - GIA Certified Experience timeless grace with this stunning 18k white gold pave ring, featuring a captivating 0.70-carat marqui...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
19632 Cocktail Flower Leaf Ring 18K Yellow Gold 2.40ct Pave Round Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
18k yellow gold ring weighs 17.4g 177 pave round diamonds, total weight 2.40ct Diamond G color I1 clarity Ring on top measures 35.7mm x 28mm wide Shank measures 2.4mm wide at the bot...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.95cttw Pave Set Diamond Chain Link Band Ring 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This classic yet elegant chain link ring band features pave set round brilliant cut diamonds encrusted halfway through the ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Natural Round Diamond Pave Wide Free Form Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Natural Round Diamond Pave Wide Free Form Ring This stunning Diamond Pave Wide Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Dome Ring 3.46 carat total in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Pave Diamond Dome Ring 3.46 carat total weight in 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Dome Ring features Three Rows of Round Brilliant Diamonds with a larger center Diamond Pave set in 18k Yel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Ring with Pavé Shoulders, 0.65 ct Total
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Details: • Period: Contemporary • Style: Pavé diamond shoulders, classic solitaire silhouette • Metal: 18K white gold (750‰) • Center Stone: 0.40 ct round brilliant diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Heart Shape Ring Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:4.41g, Diamond:0.24ct
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Hexagon Ring with Pavé Diamonds by Fern Freeman
By Fern Freeman
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The 18K Yellow Gold Hexagon Ring by Fern Freeman is a modern and striking statement piece.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.92 Carat No Heat Cushion Purple Sapphire Diamond Pave Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pave Sapphire Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The Sapphire is a Purple Pink Cushion 1.92 Carat The Sapphire is GIA Certified NO HEAT There are 1.20 Carats in Diamonds F/G V...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, ...
18K Gold Cocktail Ring, 1.00ct HRD Diamond, Baguette and Pavé Accents
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This 18K yellow gold diamond cocktail ring features a wide, well-balanced design centered on a 1.00 carat brilliant-cut diamond, HRD-certified (VVS1 clarity, I color).
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1.46 Carat Diamond Pave-Set Ladies Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By SEAWAVEDIAMONDS
Located in New York, NY
1.46 Carat Diamond Pave-Set Ladies Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Accentuate the moment with this beautiful yellow gold diamond ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rachel Koen Pave Diamond Ladies Wedding Ring 18K White Gold 0.73cttw
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a modern and elegant ladies wedding band. This sparkling 18k white gold ring is highlighted with 0.73cttw of dazzling white round cut pave set diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Pavé Diamond Set Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a timeless diamond ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. This wonderful piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and displays four glistening rows ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.5 Carat Diamond Pave Set 18K Gold Vintage Dome Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Item Details: Item Type: Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (solid) Size: 6 (adjustable) Weight: 18 grams Center Stone Details: Type: Diamond Carat: 8.5 Carat Total Weight Color: F Clarity...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermès CDC Quilted 18K Rose Gold Full Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Title Hermès CDC Quilted Rose Gold Full Pave Diamond Ring, Size 52 Description Authentic Hermès CDC ring in 18K rose gold with full pave diamonds.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Diamond Pave Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 13.2ctw of round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and SI in clarity Size: 6.5 Total Weight: 15.5g (10dwt) Measure...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.88 carat green sapphire diamond 18k white gold pave ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The abundance of diamonds gives the ring exceptional sparkle and dimension, enhancing the center stone with a luxurious halo of light.
Diamond, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Pave Set Diamond Bypass Dome Ring in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Cartier bypass dome ring features approximately 5.25 carat of round brilliant cut diamonds pave set in 18k white gold, and is accompanied by a Cartier certificate of authenticit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.53 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Pave Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.53 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Pave Ring Embody the ultimate symbol of modern romance and exquisite brilliance with this spectacular 1.53-carat natural diamond rin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dazzling 18k White Gold Pave Halo Ring with 0.29ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful pave halo ring with a dazzling 0.05 carat round brilliant natural diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Striking 3.76ct Pave Sapphire & Natural Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
A true masterpiece of sophistication, this 18K white gold pave ring showcases a stunning 3.33ct unheated Ceylon sapphire, exuding a deep dark blue hue, known for its rarity and excep...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Italian Pave Diamond in 18K yellow and white gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is 18 Karat yellow and white gold, with pave cluster diamonds. 1980's Italian, stunning Day to Evening design. Specs below. In excellent condition, with very minor wear to ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$13,596Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pave Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 13.2ctw of round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and SI in clarity Size: 6.5 Total Weight: 15.5g (10dwt) Measure...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Repossi 18k Gold Oval Diamond Multi-Row Pavé Eternity Engagement Ring
By Repossi
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Repossi Blast eternity ring showcases a refined yet bold contemporary design, crafted in luxurious 18 karat gold and set with an oval-cut diamond weighing approximat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
From $2,288 / item
0.73Ct SI/H Pave Set Diamond Seashell Ring 18k Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
0.73Ct SI/H Pave Set Diamond Seashell Ring 18k Rose Gold features a seashell shape ring with diamond pave making an open cuff ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
18k White Gold Pave Ruby and Diamond Ring, 4.38ct Ruby, Unisex
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the exquisite elegance of our Heavy Dome Shape Pave Ring, crafted from luxurious 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.56ct Natural Round Shape Diamond Ring with Pave Diamonds 18K White Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
Finely Made with 18K White Gold. with 0.75-carat pave round diamonds that feature G color and VS1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.95tcw AAA Quality Colombian Emerald & Pave Diamond Accents Engagement Ring 18k
Located in Jupiter, FL
Numerous brilliant-cut diamonds are firmly pave set in a hidden diamond halo and throughout the shank.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Solid 18K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Pavé Shield Statement Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
Framing the sapphires is a crisp, architectural border of round brilliant diamonds that flows across the upper band, emphasising the ring's sharp, modernist lines.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds and 15mm Central Pearl
Located in Bergamo, BG
A striking 18K white gold ring featuring a luminous 15mm central pearl, surrounded by an elegant pavé setting of natural white diamonds totaling 1.41 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sophisticated 6.24ct Diamond Pave Ring in 18K Yellow Gold - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
This GIA-certified ring centers on a 5.93ct square modified natural diamond, graded N color and VVS2 clarity, radiating bold brilliance from its four-prong setting. Surrounding the s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,320Sale Price|40% Off
18K White Gold Diamond Pave Ring 0.75ct HI SI Odelia Size 6.5
By Odelia
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This elegant diamond pave ring is crafted in 18K white gold and set with 0.75 carats total weight of natural round diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold 1.09ctw Green Tsavorite & Pave Diamonds Solitaire Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) - 0.99ctw (exact) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut -Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color (0.10ctw) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Total Weight: 3.74 Grams Ov...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
COCKTAIL RING - Invisible Set Ruby Dome & Pave Diamond Terminal 18K Gold.
Located in Miami, FL
This charming Cocktail ring features a magnificent, high-dome bypass ribbon motif showcasing an extraordinary display of mystery-set natural rubies. Masterfully handcrafted in solid ...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Kwiat 18k White Gold 0.40ctw Pave & Bezel Diamond Knot Ring "Vintage"
By Kwiat
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18K White Gold Weight: 3.47 Grams Ring Size: 9.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Captivating 0.90ct Round Brilliant Diamond Pave Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
The ring is crafted from gleaming 18K white gold, its cool sheen perfectly complementing the diamonds' brilliance.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 3.91ctw Rhodolite Garnet Pave Diamond Sides Solid Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) - 3.75ctw (approx.) (8) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - 0.16ctw (approx.)
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pave Diamonds Two Finger Ring Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:2.1gms, D:5.64cts, Slv:24.332gms Size: 23X17X85MM
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Cartier Pavé Diamond Set Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a timeless diamond ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. This wonderful piece is made from platinum and displays 3 glittering rows of round brilliant ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
LEVIEV Sapphire Cocktail Ring with Pave Sapphires and Diamonds, 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
An approximate 1.27 Carat Center Sapphire Cocktail Ring with Pave Sapphires and Diamonds, 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake diamond ring 18kt Pave set diamond ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fantastic craftsmanship on this ring, made by hand from scratch with stunning snake design and natural white diamonds in 18KT yellow gold. Metal Type: 18KT Natural Diamond(s): Col...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mattioli Puzzle Ring in 18K White Gold And White Diamonds Pavé
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Mattioli Puzzle Ring Puzzle Solo ring in white gold and white diamonds pavé Diamond carats: 1,01 If not in stock, manufacture time 4 weeks Also Available in white gold and white di...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,320Sale Price|40% Off
18K White Gold Natural Diamond Pave Eternity Ring 3.68ct GH SI 6.5
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This stunning pave eternity ring is crafted in 18K white gold and set with 3.68 carats total weight of natural round diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Polki Diamond Long Ring with Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:3.98g, Diamond:3.4ct, Silver:8.98gm Size: 22X18X49MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Emerald Ring with Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:3.408g, Diamond:0.42ct, Emerald:1.53ct, Size: US-7"
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,471Sale Price|20% Off
Ripple Dome Ring 3.19 Carat Diamond Pavé in 18K White Gold
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Offered by Claris-A Monte Calo, this bold 18K white gold dome ring features a sculptural design with godron-style ridges, each pavé-set with 3.19 carats of high-quality FG color, VS+...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Heart Shape Ring Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:4.785g,D:0.24ct,
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold & PT950 Diamond Pave Double Head Snake Ring 8.7g 1ct Diamond R6651
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 18K Gold & PT950 Diamond Pave Double Head Snake Ring 8.7g 1ct Diamond R6651 ♥ The item measures 11.8mm in length, 21.3mm in width, and 4.5mm in thickness.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18k Gold Ornamental Style Ring with Center Diamond Enclosed by Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt 5.9gms Diamond 6.49ct US-8.75
Diamond, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Pave Baguette Diamond Bow Cocktail Ring 3.40cttw Sz 5.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully made statement ring done in a stylized bow design. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this piece has been set with approximately 3.40cttw in H-I color Vs2-Si1 clarity round an...
Diamond, 18k Gold
3.50ct Curved Bombe Dome Curved Diamond Pave Ring 18K White Gold
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous bombe style round brilliant diamond curved dome pave set engagement ring in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.09Ct Natural Emerald Cut Tanzanite Diamond Pave Solitaire Ring 18K Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
A 2.09 carat natural emerald cut tanzanite anchors this solitaire ring, elevated by a diamond pave band set in 18 karat rose gold.
Tanzanite, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
3.90 Carat Emerald & Diamond Halo Pavé Shank 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 3.90 carat emerald cut light green emerald halo ring in 18K two-tone white and yellow gold, featuring a yellow gold 4-prong basket and open filigree gallery within a square w...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Diamond Pavé Filigree Wide Band Ring, USA
Located in New York, NY
This Contemporary Diamond Pavé Filigree Wide Band Ring exudes airy elegance with its openwork lattice design, allowing light to enhance its sparkle.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$842Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Diamond Wedding Band Micro Pave Full Eternity Band Diamond 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 Champagne Diamond Ring, .70ct Pave Set, Unisex, 1990s
Located in Nantucket, MA
An exceptional ring of two crossed and twisted 18K gold bands ending with balls of round, brilliant cut, pave`-set champagne diamonds.
Diamond
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Di Modolo Triadra Pave Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Di Modolo
Located in Chicago, IL
The interplay of smooth gold contours and densely set pavé diamonds gives the ring a dynamic, modern presence while maintaining timeless sophistication.
Diamond, White Gold
$10,400Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pavé Dome Ring in 18k White Gold, 4.80 Carats
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in luminous 18k white gold, the ring features a sculptural domed design entirely pavé-set with a dazzling array of natural diamonds totaling approximately 4.80 carats.
Diamond, 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.”
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.