Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1980s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k white gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.1 grams Diamond Details: .75ct total weight, G Color, VS Clarity, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 2000s Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.4 grams Diamond Details: 2.00ct total weight, H/I Color, SI1-I1 Clarity, Round B...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Swirl Ring in 18K Gold & Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18k yellow gold and swirled in ribbons of platinum, five sweeping rows of brilliant-cut white diamonds catch the light with every move.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An eye-catching cocktail ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, designed in a bold domed swirl motif.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine Swirled Ring. 1.10ct Aquamarine Engagement Ring Platinum 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Era: Retro Era, Circa 1950 Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Cut Primary Stone Color: Santa Maria Color Seco...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold
$15,600
Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Cedar Grove, NJ
Expertly crafted with luxurious 18-karat rose gold, this Diamond Swirl Ring is a breathtaking expression of elegance and movement. The intricate swirl design is adorned with 208 bril...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Two Tone Gold Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.1 grams Diamond Details: 1.25ct total weight, G color, VS Clarity,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Swirl Ring 18K Gold Diamond & Sapphire Three-Stone Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant Art Nouveau swirl ring showcases the fluid, organic lines characteristic of early 20th-century design.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,600
Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
The beautiful fashion ring has many curves and turns to make a beautiful elegant design. It is made from 4.7 grams of 18 karat white gold which is covered in 69 round VS2, G color di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Elegant 18K Yellow Gold Marquise Diamond Snake Swirl Ring, 0.22ct
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 18K yellow gold swirl snake ring featuring a marquise-cut diamond crown complemented by diamond eyes, with a total diamond weight of 0.22 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k gold antique swirl ring - natural diamond - Three stone engagement ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is antique yellow gold ring which stole our hearts the minute we laid eyes on her. This marvellous flower ring is made in 18 karat solid yellow gold and decorated with three...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A sculptural and sophisticated vintage swirl ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vivid pear-shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.12 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Swirl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Hicksville, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Swirl Ring Year: 1970s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.8 gram...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A symphony of curves, color, and brilliance. This striking statement ring dazzles with vibrant red baguette-cut rubies. The flowing design is accentuated by shimmering diamonds, all ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Salvini Ruby & Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold Size 6.75
By Salvini
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Salvini swirl cocktail ring is crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Retro 18k Yellow Gold Swirling Diamond Cocktail Ring, Spain
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A great example of a swirling 1940s ring, Made in 18 karat yellow gold, with platinum sights. Center set with 45 brilliant-cut, grain-set diamonds approx 1.7ctw in total. 8.4 gr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$1,425Sale Price|50% Off
ICA 18K Gold 0.77ct Round Green Tsavorite & 0.18ct Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A vibrant expression of color, movement, and fine craftsmanship, this ICA‑certified tsavorite garnet ring brings together rarity and elegance in a sculptural 18k gold design.
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
1.24 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Platinum & 18K Gold Swirl Floral Ring
Located in Miami, FL
1.24 carat fancy yellow oval diamond and 0.43 carat round brilliant diamond pave platinum 950 and 18K yellow gold cocktail ring, featuring the vivid yellow oval diamond in a yellow g...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mobe Pearl and Diamond Swirl Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
A captivating example of mid-century elegance, this 1960s Mobe pearl and diamond halo swirl ring is beautifully crafted in rich 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diamond Infinity Swirl Center Wide Band Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 38 round brilliant cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: 0.47 carats Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: SI1-I1 Ring Size:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s Italian 18K Gold Pavé Diamond Sculptural Swirl Ring 2.75 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
On the hand, it reads as a statement of confidence and refined boldness, unmistakably rooted in the Italian ateliers of the period. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds: Approx. 2.75 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro-Style Asymmetrical Diamond Swirl Statement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Zurich, CH
A masterclass in sculptural jewelry design, this vintage-inspired statement ring is defined by its fluid, asymmetrical "swirl" silhouette.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Diamond Teal Enamel 18K Gold Antique Swirling Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as domed form with a spiraling floral motif bead set with old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.54 carat total - quality consistent with cut and age Featuring swirl...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K White Gold Natural Round Diamond Open Work Swirl Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Natural Round Diamond Open Work Swirl Ring Product: Natural Diamond Open Swirl Ring Ring Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 1.30 car...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Yin Yang 6 Carat Diamond Swirling Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one of a kind elegant and artistically crafted pave set seven row yin yang style swirling diamond 18K yellow gold diamond cocktail/anniversary band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Ballerina Ring, Circa 1970
Located in Wailea, HI
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Ballerina Ring, Circa 1970 This striking estate ring offers a bold, architectural reimagining of the classic "Ballerina" style, epitomizing the...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Glamour Swirl Ring with Diamond Accents
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Beaming 18k yellow gold spirals around a single Tahitian pearl for this ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wide Diamond Band Ring with Diamond Halo Swirls 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 448 round brilliant cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: 1.97 carats Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: SI1-I1 Ring Size...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 2.86ct GIA Marquise Deep Blue Sapphire Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Marquise Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Deep Royal Blue Color - Ceylon - Amazing Royal Color - 1.93ct (exact) ** See Certification Details B...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Midcentury Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Twisted stands of 18 karat yellow gold alternate with polished strokes of 18 karat white gold to create a diamond swirl. The ring offers a lively aesthetic and will be both a fun and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$800Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 9mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.16ct Diamonds Swirl Shank Cocktail Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A luminous 9mm Tahitian pearl takes center stage in this elegant 18k white gold ring, celebrated for its naturally rich overtones of peacock green, aubergine, and silver.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,240Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 10mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.40ct Baguette Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Their crisp, elongated facets catch the light with a clean, modern sparkle that beautifully contrasts the pearl’s organic glow. Handcrafted in 18K white gold, the ring balances bold ...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Bold Swirl Diamond & Black Enamel Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A dramatic expression of 1980s glamour, this bold cocktail ring is masterfully crafted in 18K white gold and showcases a hypnotic swirl motif of glossy black enamel and dazzling diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Double Finger Swirl Waves Diamond Pave 18K Rose Gold Statement Knuckle Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This ring features intricate swirling patterns encrusted with sparkling diamonds of 4.90 ctw, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The elegant design showcases a harmonious blend o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
"Swirling Waters" Ring by Alex Sepkus
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, by Alex Sepkus, American. This gorgeous "Swirling Waters" ring by Alex Sepkus has a stunning visual narrative.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Estate SPARK 18K White Gold Fancy Cut Amethyst Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
By Spark Creations
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A bold and contemporary cocktail ring by Spark Creations, showcasing a dramatic fantasy-cut natural amethyst of exceptional vibrancy. The richly saturated purple gemstone is embrace...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.90 Ct Oval Diamond Swirl Pavé Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Details Item Code :- SER-210256A Gross Wt. :- 3.77 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 3.59 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 0.90 Ct. ( SI Clarity & HI Color ) Follow JEWEL PALATE STOREFRONT f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.38 Ct Natural Diamond Swirl Ring 18K White Gold Handmade Fine Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Swirl and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Swirl and Pearl Cocktail Ring Description: This graceful 18k white gold ring features a luminous round pearl wrapped in an elegant swirl of pavé-set diamonds, forming a soft...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,310Sale Price|20% Off
Beauty of Swirls - Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Beauty of Swirls - Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Diamond South Sea Pearl Spiral Swirl Freeform Cocktail Ring 16.5mm
Located in Winter Springs, FL
This elegantly designed contemporary cocktail ring is crafted in 18K rose gold and centered by a 16.55mm South Sea pearl exhibiting a beautiful cream color with very even luster with...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,992Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Solid White Gold Cushion Blue Sapphire and Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural sapphire of 1.35 carats and diamonds of 0.41 carat.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Retro Swirl Ring with Diamonds
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Fanciful retro style is celebrated with this playful, yet sophisticated design. The swirling golden top is adorned with three rows of brilliant white diamonds that weigh approximatel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Mother Of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Swirl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother Of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Swirl Ring. A stunning ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a beautiful mother of pearl ...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,998Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold 4.15ct GIA Elongated Oval Sapphire W/ Diamond Infinity Swirl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a truly breathtaking cocktail ring that was crafted from solid 18k white gold featuring a GIA certified, natural sapphire stone neatly prong set at the center of a fiery...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Swirl Halo Ring in 18K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This sculptural swirl ring features a central round natural fancy yellow diamon...
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Two Tone 2.15 Carat Pavé Diamond Shield Dome Ring with Swirl Design
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Vintage 18K two-tone dome ring with 21 baguette natural diamonds and 70 round natural diamonds, pavé set, totaling 2.15 carats. Diamonds are G/H color, VS clarity. Ring was created...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Bezel Set Round Brilliant Diamond and Scroll Swirl Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k yellow gold ring. This handsome and unique yellow gold ring features a center, round brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.26 CTS and bezel set, flanked by two swirled scrolls,...
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White And Yellow Gold Twist Swirl Band Ring 6mm
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow & White Gold Band Ring. Vintage VCA ring with an unique yellow and white multi-tone gold twist/swirl design. 6mm width.
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Morganite & Diamond Ring, 18k Oval Cut 4.93ctw Halo-Inspired Swirl
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $30 or Down 1 size for $25 Metal Content: 18k Rose Gold Stone Information: Genuine Morganite Carat: 4.60ct Cut: Oval Color: Pi...
Diamond, Morganite, Rose Gold
Black Onyx & Diamond White Gold Swirl Ring
Located in New York, NY
18kt White Gold Swirl ring set in Black Onyx & full cut clean & white Diamonds. Very chic & imposing.
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold, 18k Gold
Open Emerald Pave Teardrop 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Open Emerald Pave Teardrop 14K Yellow Gold Swirl Ring radiates elegance with its vibrant and luxurious design.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Gold Swirl Dome Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
The ring is skillfully encased in Hand crafted 18K Yellow Gold mounting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.2 Carat Round Diamond Pave Swirl 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Round Carat: 2.2 Color: H Clarity: SI2 Cut/Pol/Sym: EX/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$13,774Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 0.9 Carat Round Three-Stone Oceanic Swirl 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating design that symbolizes love and commitment with its timeless three-stone motif representing the past, pres...
Diamond, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Diamond Ring, 0.28 ct Total, Vintage Swirl Design
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
An elegant nod to early 20th-century design, this 18K yellow gold ring features a trio of brilliant round diamonds (approx. 0.28 ct total) set within a graceful swirl motif.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Swirl Art Deco Style 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Immerse yourself in the glamor of this Art Deco inspired diamond and multi-gemstone dinner ring. A dazzling echo of an era characterized by elegance and exuberance. At its center, a ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k 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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