1.69 Carat Pear Shaped Diamond Ring with 52 Diamonds Swirl Band in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat white gold is a 1.69 carat Pear shaped diamond, L-M Color, SI-2 Clarity. The diamond sits atop an upward swirl band with 52 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 1.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Aquamarine and Diamond Engagement Ring. 1.10ct Aquamarine 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...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.78Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Indulge in the nostalgia and elegance of the 1990s with this exceptional vintage design swirl ring. Expertly crafted in 18K white gold, this ring showcases a stunning 2.78 carat vivi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.18 Carat Weight Oval Diamond Snake Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Striking 18K yellow gold snake-inspired swirl ring featuring an eye-shaped GIA-certified oval diamond weighing 1.12 carats as the centerpiece.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Cushion Diamond Double Pavé Diamonds Ring 18k Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 2.01 carat Cushion diamond set in a split shank, double halo of Diamonds pave set in a 18k white gold ring, with swirls of white gold in a cathedral style.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
French Retro Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
French Retro Diamond and Sapphire Swirl Cocktail Ring. 18k yellow gold with prong set diamonds and sapphires inserted within the swirling motifs.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Orange Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is shaped as a cushion and is accented by 1.18 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18k white gold swirls around the ring and sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Moiseikin 18 Karat White Gold Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Every creation is an allegory of sparkling life flooded with festive splendour, fashionable crinoline, ball swirls, and reverence. 18K WG Ring, Gold 18 K,Weight 14.14 g,Size 17.5...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
MOISEIKIN 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Every creation is an allegory of sparkling life flooded with festive splendour, fashionable crinoline, ball swirls, and reverence. 18K WG Ring 301163201210601 Weight 15.39g 18K ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Price Upon Request
Moiseikin 18 Karat White Gold 9 Carat Emerald Cocktail Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Every creation is an allegory of sparkling life flooded with festive splendour, fashionable crinoline, ball swirls, and reverence. 18K Gold Ring 4010504007716/ 15.78g Size 17.5 ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,495
Vintage Swirl 18k Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from the finest 18k gold, this statement ring features a bold, chunky vintage swirl design that captures attention with its striking style.
18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,654
18k White Gold, 1.00ct Diamond Ring Swirl Motif
Located in Miami, FL
All diamonds are 100% natural and earth mined. Beautiful swirl motif diamond ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,920
0.71 Carat Swirl Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
All diamonds are set in 18k white gold with a touch of black rhodium accentuate the swirl from the center to the outer side of the ring.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,674
Diamond Gold "Swirl" Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct white gold diamond set 'Swirl' ring set with 0.62cts of round brilliant diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$8,321
Diamond Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Colmar, FR
A yellow gold swirl ring set with 25 brilliant cut diamonds on staircase. The ring's body is waved. Total Diamonds Weight: 1,10 carat Diamonds Quality: G/VS Net Weight: 4,20 grams...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,008
Diamond Gold "Swirl" Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct rose gold diamond ring set with 0.95cts of round brilliant diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,080
Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
By Niletti
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite 18kt White Gold Cocktail Ring that contains 72 round diamonds weighing approximately 1 carat.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,860
Oval Orange Sapphire Swirl Ring
Located in Knoxville, TN
This fun ring features a bright poppy orange sapphire that is as bright and lively. This ring is very playful and fun with it's diamond swirl design and bold statement. Excellent rin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Beaded Pearl, Diamond and Turquoise Swirl Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Vienna, VA
Vintage Beaded Pearl, Diamond and Turquoise Swirl Ring in 18K Vintage Beaded Pearl, Diamond and Turquoise Swirl Ring 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds Carat Weight: Approx. 0.12ctw Turquoise...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Susan Lister Locke 12.16ct Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Swirl Ring in 18K Gold
By Susan Lister Locke
Located in Nantucket, MA
An exquisite and rare 12 Carat Pear-Shaped Cabochon Paraiba Tourmaline (Mozambique) is surrounded by over a carat of brilliant cut Diamonds in a breathtaking swirl design. Set in 18 ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,350
19.94 Carat Oval Blue Topaz Pavé Diamond Swirl 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Topaz Ring with Pavé Diamonds in 18K White Gold Please let us know should you wish to have the ring resized. Ring Size: US 6.75 / 54 Gold: 18K White Gold, 11.379 g Blue Topaz...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,780
Diamond and Ruby Swirl White Gold Ring
Located in Surfside, FL
Diamond and Ruby Swirl ring in 18K white gold. Round brilliant cut diamond total approx. weight: 2.00 carats, estimate G-H color, VS clarity.
18k Gold, White Gold
New Scott Kay Diamond and Sapphire Swirl Semi Mount Ring in 18K White Gold
By Scott Kay
Located in Vienna, VA
New Scott Kay Diamond and Sapphire Swirl Semi Mount Ring in 18K Scott Kay Diamond and Sapphire Swirl Semi Mount Ring 18K White Gold Diamonds Carat Weight: Approx. 0.21ctw Sapphire C...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$8,000
Montreaux Pave Diamond Gold Platinum Swirl Ring
By Montreaux
Located in Chicago, IL
Montreaux platinum and 18K yellow gold double swirl pave diamond ring set with 68 round diamonds weighing 4.70cts, DE color and VVS clarity.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,200
18 Karat Vintage Swirl Baguette Diamond Ring
By Jose Hess
Located in Pikesville, MD
Made with superior quality by Jose Hess in 18 karat yellow and white gold. This uniquely designed modern swirl ring features 2.10 carats of high quality baguette cut diamonds, perfec...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,900
18 Karat and Diamond Vintage Swirl Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
Circa 1960. This 18 karat yellow gold vintage swirl ring consists of approximately 1.10 carats of baguette and marquise cut diamonds. Ring has an airy and feminine appearance. Diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sethi Couture 2.62 Carat Brown Pink White Diamond Ombre Swirl Ring in 18K Gold
By Sethi Couture
Located in Mill Valley, CA
Beautiful ombre shaded swirl ring made with 2.62 carats of white, brown, and pink diamonds. Designed and made by Sethi Couture. Size of the ring is 6.5 and can be sized.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Whi...
Unavailable|$4,500
Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Swirl Dome Ring
By Treasure of Shahrazad
Located in Suriyawong Bangeak, TH
This ring does the talking for you! GIL Report Featuring a Diamond dome centre surrounded by beautiful and perfectly French cut Rubies. Each Diamond and Ruby were superbly made and p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$17,042
1960s French magnificent coral diamond gold swirl ring
Located in Kortrijk, BE
A magnificent coral and diamond swirl ring, designed as two intertwined loops, one in coral, one pavé set with diamonds and gold dots, mounted in 18 karat gold. French maker's m...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,680
18 Karat Diamond and Emerald Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
A one of a kind treasure. This 18 karat yellow gold swirl design ring features 18 bezel set round brilliant diamonds at approximately 1 carat total weight surrounding a single radian...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,500
18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
An extraordinary find. This 18 karat yellow gold large cocktail ring features a unique swirl design with expertly cut and set channel set baguette diamonds showcasing a substantial o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$9,126
18kt White Gold Black & White Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Toronto, CA
Black & White Diamond Swirl Ring 18kt White Gold 192 Black Diamonds= 3.76ct 142 Round Cut Brilliant Diamonds= 2.08ct SI2-I1 FGH
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$750
Tiffany & Co. Two Tone 18kt Gold Swirling Motif Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This gorgeous Signed Tiffany & Co. White and Yellow 18kt Gold Swirling Waves Ring is a size 3.5 and can be sized up or down for the client. This ring weighs 10.3grams and the top of ...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,100
Black and White Diamond Swirl Ring in White Gold
By Voga Gioielli
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Black and white diamond swirl ring in 18kt white gold with 1.83ct total of pavé-set diamonds. Ring size 6 1/2. Resizing up or down 2 sizes included in the price.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,355
18 Karat Rose Gold 0.45 Carat Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Item Details • Total Diamond Weight: 0.45 Ctw. • Diamond Color Clarity: G Color VS1 Clarity • Diamond Shape: Baguettes & Rounds • Setting Type: Invisible & Micro Pave • Gold Kt: 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,333
18 Karat Yellow Gold White Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
18 Karat Yellow Gold full-cut micro-pave set diamonds weighing 0.33 carats. The swirl curves and bends along the natural curvature of the finger making it comfortable and easy to we...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$14,766
Rose Gold Swirl with Brilliant Cut 4.95 ct Diamonds Ring
By HY JEWELLERY
Located in Knightsbridge, GB
ROSE GOLD SWIRL RING WITH BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS 18K Rose Gold Total diamond weight: 4.95 ct Clarity: VS/SI Color: G Total ring weight: 16 grams
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$2,245
Art Deco 0.25 Carat Old Cut Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A super pretty Art Deco ring. The old European cut diamond in the centre is rubover set in white gold, and sits in a vented, asymmetrical design; the beaded and milgrained ‘ribbons’ ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,224
White and Rose Gold Two Finger Diamond Twisted Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Two rows of twisted swirls of white and rose gold with pave diamonds are the highlight of this double finger ring. The white gold row has 40 white diamonds, and the rose gold row has...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,790
Swirl Motif 18 Karat White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
All diamonds are 100% natural earth mined. Beautiful swirl motif diamond ring. Womens diamond cluster ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,620
1.50 Carat 18 Karat Rose Gold Elongated Swirl Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Elongated fashion ring in 18-karat rose gold with round and baguette cut diamonds. Size, 6 Total Carat Weight, 1.50 carats
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,000
1980s Chic Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Swirl Design Gold Band Style Ring
Located in New York, NY
One Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Band Style Ring Embellished With A >25 Ct Approximate Weight Cabochon Ruby. This Band Is further Designed With Numerous Full Cut Diamonds In A Swirl Type ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$3,925
Danhov Abbraccio Award Winning Swirl Diamond Engagement Ring 'AE-100'
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Abbraccio handmade engagement rings by Danhov Uniquely handmade, these designer engagement rings are the essence of true love’s perfect embrace featuring our iconic swirl holding t...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Yellow gold swirl of diamonds ring w/ around 3 carats in baguette diamonds
Located in Surfside, FL
18k yellow gold ring with swirl of diamonds weighing approximately 3 carats total, baguette cut & channel set.
Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,750
18 Karat Yellow Gold Swirl Pattern Diamond Band
By Llyn strong
Located in Greenville, SC
An 18k yellow gold swirl pattern "llyn band" bezel set with round full cut white diamonds, 0.25 total carat weight, VS clairty, F color.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,800
Fancy Yellow Diamond Crown Swirl Eternity Band 18 Karat One of a Kind
By Tom Castor
Located in Lambertville , NJ
This One of a Kind Statement Eternity Ring features Fancy Yellow Diamonds of rich Yellow Hue and Vs Clarity. The Diamonds are Round Brilliant Cut and have a combined weight of 0.75 C...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$38,500
Henry Dunay Custom Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Dallas, TX
18K swirled domed ring with oval sapphire 4.49 ct. added to this ring as custom piece made by Henry Dunay, not stock item.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$10,750 / set
Swiss Blue Topaz Diamond Cocktail Ring and Detachable Drop Stud Earrings
By BOON
Located in Bangkok, TH
19.94 Carat Oval Blue Topaz Pavé Diamond Swirl 18K White Gold Ring Gold: 18K White Gold, 11.379 g Blue Topaz: Oval, 19.94 ct Diamond: 1.08 ct Ring Size: US 6.75 / 54 -------------...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$7,275
Jose Hess Swirling Diamond Baguette Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Jose Hess
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement with this 18kt yellow gold swirling Jose Hess designed cocktail ring featuring nearly a hundred baguette diamonds totaling 4.50ct. Its unique interlocking shape will...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,500
Vintage French 18k Gold Ring Snail Swirl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A very fun and simply striking vintage French 18k gold ring with a snail swirl design. This substantial looking yellow gold ring has a nicely done texture.
18k Gold
Blue Topaz Diamond Swirl Ring 18K Two Tone Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate 18K two tone ring, features 17x12mm emerald cut blue topaz and swirl display of diamonds Size 7 18.27 Grams
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
0.20ctw Emerald Modern Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 3.5, Swirl Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Elevate your style with this exquisite 0.20ctw Emerald Modern Ring. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this ring boasts a beautiful emerald gemstone and a modern, swirling design.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian cabochon cut sapphire 18k rose gold platinum swirl ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A graceful expression of early twentieth-century elegance, this Edwardian swirl ring centers on a luminous 2.80 carat cabochon sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Yellow Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring, 18K White Gold, Ring Size 6.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamond - round brilliant cut, 1 stone - 5.75 mm - approximately .75 carat - Fancy Yellow, VS2 clarity - single cut round, 10 stones - 1.3 - 1.75 mm - approximately .10 tot...
Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive 18K White Gold 2.00 Ct Diamond Swirl Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring's dimensions measure 20mm x 25mm. Offered in brand new condition, this LB Exclusive 18K White Gold 2 ct Diamond Swirl Ring comes with a gift box.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 2.00 Ct Diamond Swirl Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 2 ct Diamond Swirl Ring is offered in brand new condition accompanied by a gift box.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CA 1960 18K Sapphire Turquoise and diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring in 18k
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage classic design Circa 1960 featuring a swirl Cocktail ring with alternated lines of natural blue sapphires, Natural cabochon turquoise, and round diamonds. The shank is desi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, 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.”
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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.