Antique French Diamond Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Tourbillion Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique French GIA 0.77 Carats Diamond Platinum 18k Gold Tourbillion Swirl Ring. Fearing one GIA old mine cut diamond weighing 0.77 carat, accompanied with GIA #6224839088 statin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Midcentury French Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Tourbillion Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Mid Century French Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Tourbillion Swirl Ring. Featuring one oval mixed cut ruby weight of approximately 0.15 carat.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,856
H Stern Diamond Swirl Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in London, GB
H Stern Diamond Swirl Ring in 18k Rose Gold Current Season - From the Iris collection.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Sold|$4,995
Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 2.57ctw of round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity. Size: 6.5 Total Weight: 15.4g (9.9dwt) Measu...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Belle Époque Diamond 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: 17 Diamonds Cut: Rose and Old European Weight: Approximately 0.25 Carats Color: H Clarity: SI2 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Era: Belle Époque Circa: 1890s Hallmark...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Sold|$1,650
Jose Hess Diamond Swirl Ring
By Jose Hess
Located in Webster, NY
Beautiful Jose Hess Twisted Swirl Designed Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Designer: Jose Hess Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately .60CTW Diamond Cut: 12 Round Brilliant Color: Ave...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Retro Pink Sapphire and Diamond Swirl Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Retro Pink Sapphire and Diamond Swirl Ring made in 18k gold. Signed VCA and numbered B803516.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Henri Dunay 18K Yellow Gold Hammered Swirl Dome Ring – Size 6.5
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Henri Dunay Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 15.90 grams Size: 6.5 US Finish: Hammered Style: Swirl Dome Ring Era: Vintage, likely 1980s–1990s An iconic statement piece for c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$11,500
Cartier Diamond Gold Swirls Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Opulent swirls of elegance characterize the design of this gorgeous Cartier ring.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold 2.71ct Deep Blue Sapphire & 0.06ct Diamond Fine Swirl Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
The pave diamonds are bright and lively set nicely. Classic contemporary swirl style shank accompanied by hard stone sapphire and diamonds allows this ring to be wearable on most occ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
1960 Italian Swirl Ring in 18K Gold with Black Onyx Cabochon
Located in Miami, FL
Sleek, sensual, and sculpturally bold — this 1960s Italian ring is a masterclass in mid-century glamour. Crafted in richly polished 18 karat yellow gold, the design swirls dramatical...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Beauty of Swirls - Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Beauty of Swirls - Australian Black Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,467
Sapphire and Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18k white gold ring containing a center 1ct round cut blue sapphire surrounded by 31 marquise cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50cts F color and VS clarity. The ring is a siz...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Top Quality 18k Gold 5.20ctw Round Diamond & Marquise Emerald Swirl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely outstanding, vintage, diamond and emerald swirl ring that was crafted from solid 18k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,350
Tiffany & Co. Gold Swirled Knot Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An 18k gold swirled knot cocktail ring by Tiffany & Co., circa 1980's.
18k Gold
Vintage Top Quality 18k Gold 5.20ctw Round Diamond & Marquise Emerald Swirl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely outstanding, vintage, diamond and emerald swirl ring that was crafted from solid 18k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Jabel Diamond Floral Swirl Ring 18K White Gold .8CTW Size 6
By Jabel
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage Jabel Diamond Floral Swirl Ring 18K White Gold .8CTW Size 6 This 18k white gold ring centers on a 0.8-carat round white diamond, surrounded by a graceful swirl of smaller di...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
A Gold and Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in New York, NY
A French gold and diamond bombe ring, with a swirl design, in 18K. Total ct weight: 2.65.
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.71ct Fancy White Diamond Swirl Baguette Cut 18k Yellow Gold Scroll Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fancy White Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Swirl Scroll Ring. 0.71 Carat of diamonds set in a beautifully crafted swirl/scroll design ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 7.06 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage 7.06 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Swirl Cocktail Ring. Featuring one cabochon ruby of 7.06 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,500
"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, Rose Gold
Charles Turi Diamond Enamel Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Swirling Vintage Ring
By Charles Turi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed form with a segmented swirl motif centering a row of round brilliant cut diamonds Pavé set in platinum and weighing approximately 3.60 carats total - F/G color wi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Jose Hess 18K Yellow Gold 1.65ct Diamond Swirl Ring JH09-112125
By Jose Hess
Located in Southampton, PA
An artistic design makes this Jose Hess ring unlike anything youve seen before. The opulent 18K Yellow Gold setting features a dynamic swirl design that is elevated by shimmering Dia...
Diamond
GIA 1.3ct Round Solitaire Contemporary 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: 1.3 Color: I Clarity: SI1 Cut/Pol/Sym: EX/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Lapis Lazuli 18k Yellow Gold Swirl Ring EU52
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli 18k Yellow Gold Swirl Ring. A stunning ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a beautiful oval cabochon lapis...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$51,000
Cartier White Gold Diamond Swirl Ring
By Cartier
Located in Lexington, KY
Cartier is known for style and sophistication. This ring is a prime example. With almost 2.5 carats in diamonds, set in 18K white gold, this ring is as cool as it gets, simply ice. Y...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 1.75ctw Brilliant Diamond Pave Wide Swirl Cloud Domed Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (41) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Very Fiery Brilliant Diamonds - Nice White Color - VS2-I1 Clarity - 1.75ctw (approx.) Material: 18K So...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Gold Infinity Swirl Eternity Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1950 Infinity swirl design 18k yellow and white gold wedding band ring, not sizable. 0.90ct total.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst Diamond Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Calibre Cut Swirl Band Sz 6
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish amethyst & diamond ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.40 carats (estimated at H-I color VS2-SI2 clarity). The center set oval...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 6.24TCW Diamond White Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Radiate your sparkle as you walk into the room wearing this Vintage 6.24TCW Diamond White Gold Swirl Ring. Enjoy your afternoon wine on Rodeo Drive or Cafe de Flore with this beauty ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$6,600
Vintage David Webb Gold Ring Cocktail Swirl
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic David Webb 18k gold ring. The ring is designed as a ribbed gold swirl wrapped around a finger.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$6,600
Vintage David Webb Gold Ring Cocktail Swirl
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic David Webb 18k gold ring. The ring is designed as a ribbed gold swirl wrapped around a finger.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian Emerald Diamond Swirl Design Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This captivating estate cocktail ring of classically sophisticated aesthetic is crafted in solid 18-karat white gold with a touch of yellow gold applied to the setting of the teardro...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Yellow Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring, 18KT White Gold, Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 18 karat white gold fancy yellow diamond swirl engagement ring. This retro ring features a prong set, round brilliant cut fancy yellow diamond weighing approximately .75 ca...
Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire Diamond Swirl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
They are accented by 0.88 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds which are set in 18k white gold swirls that radiate from the ring.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,795
BJC Diamond Gold Swirl Design Cocktail Ring
By BJC
Located in Stamford, CT
18k white gold BJC swirl design ring with white diamonds and a yellow gold center section with natural yellow diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Colored Diamond Gold Cocktail Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This yin and yang swirl cocktail ring set in 18K yellow and rose gold features 5.05 carats of fancy yellow colored diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,995
Sapphire Swirl Dome Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Ring Featuring 23 Round and Baguette Cut Sapphires Totaling Approximately 1.00 Carat. Swirl Design Tapers From 14mm On Top to 3.4mm At Back. Finger Size 7.5...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$11,500
Oscary Heyman Diamond Swirl Yellow Gold Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Southampton, PA
The luxuriously gleaming 18K yellow gold and the alluringly resplendent diamond stones create an incredibly extravagant effect in this stunning ring designed by Oscar Heyman. The rin...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,500
Vintage 18 Kt Spiral Swirl Fashion Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Representing the circle of life, regeneration and evolution of the spirit, the spiral ring in 18 Kt gold has a positive symbolic meaning as well as being an unusual fashion ring. It ...
18k Gold
Sold|$3,200
Black and White Diamond Gold Dome Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This domed cocktail ring features 2.11 carats of black diamonds alternating with swirls of 1.06 carats of white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,095
GIA Cert Oval Ruby Diamond Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Simple swirl style ring extra bright red Ruby. GIA certified natural corundum, heat treatment with minor residue.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,734
18 Karat Multi Gold and Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This cocktail ring is unique and shimmers with diamonds. It is made of primarily 18K white gold accented with yellow gold. Each shade of gold is set with diamonds in the correspondin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Two Stone Swirl Ring 0.80ct 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These luminous diamonds, graded I in color with VS2-SI2 clarity, are securely set in delicate prongs, highlighting their charming vintage appeal. Enhancing the ring’s elegance, a gr...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$5,734
18 Karat Multi Gold and Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This cocktail ring is unique and shimmers with diamonds. It is made of primarily 18K white gold accented with yellow gold. Each shade of gold is set with diamonds in the correspondin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$11,800
South Sea Pearl Diamond Swirl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Made in 18k white gold, a fine and substantial cocktail ring.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oscar Heyman Diamond Ruby Domed Swirl Cocktail Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Torrance, CA
Metal & Hallmark: Solid 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is hallmarked "18k" and "PLAT" in addition to "OHB" for Oscar Heyman Bros & the serial number.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 1 round brilliant cut = 3.52ct Color: H Clarity: VS1 GIA: 7145694 Diamond: 40 round brilliant cut = 1.80cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
13.11 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is accented by 2.03 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds set around the sapphire in a swirling sunburst design. Made in 18k white gold and ready to be worn at a bargain price!
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Retro Diamond Yellow Gold Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: Diamond Cut: Old European Weight: Approximately 0.20 Carats Color: O-P Clarity: SI2 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Era: Retro Circa: 1940's Hallmarks: French Eagle Head Size...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Swirl Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
We love David Webb and have quite the collection. This large scale Swirl Ring is another of his bold, statement rings.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Belle Epoque Diamond Yellow gold Swirl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: Diamond Cut: Old mine Weight: 0.30 carat approximately Color: J-K Clarity: I1 Accent Stone: 14 diamonds Cut: Single Weight: 0.15 carat approximately Color: G-H Clar...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s French Belle Epoque Diamond Engagement Swirl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats yellow gold and white gold. This lovely antique ring is set with claws of an antique brilliant cut diamond in the center and of rose cut diamonds set on a whirling ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Damiani White and Rose Gold Diamond Pave Swirls Ring
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
The wonderful form of a gracefully unraveling flower is ingeniously comprised of intriguingly interplaying loops of contrasting 18K rose and white gold, while glittering diamonds wei...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Oscar Heyman Diamond and Emerald Swirl Yellow Gold Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Southampton, PA
Spiraling gracefully upwards to uphold the magnificent G-color central diamond of VS clarity weighing approximately 0.83ct, charming emeralds totaling 1.70 carats and glistening diam...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Swirl Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. This original solitaire ring in white gold is set with a modern brilliant-cut diamond in a gold swirl. On the band, 2 x 1 small diamonds are set on each ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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.