1925s Art Deco 3.14 Carat Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold ring, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Sumptuous antique ring, it is decorated in the center, in closed setting, of a splendid emerald with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
1925s Art Deco Black Enamel Mabe Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold ring. A sublime Art Deco ring with a geometric, asymmetrical setting, adorned in the center with a bezel-set Mabé pearl. 4x3 rose-cut diamonds adorn the ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Deco 0.95ct French Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G, Clarity: SI1 Total Remaining Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.12ct Tested As: 18ct Gold & Platinum Period: Circa. 1920 Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$15,515
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding emerald and diamond cluster ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. This refined piece features a single oval faceted old mine cut diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.95 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire Style Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This solitaire style diamond ring is an estate piece. The ring features a center pear cut diamond measuring approximately 0.95 carats and grading J in color, SI1 in clarity. The sett...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sapphire Diamond 14k Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Circa 1920. The ring is a size 8 and may be resized. About this Item: Step into the glamorous world of Art Deco with our breathtaking sapphire and diamond ring!
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Go...
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Top Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Top Diamond Wedding Band. This beautiful band is crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum top. The band has single cut diamonds set on the ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$13,000
Vivid 4 Carat Yellow Sapphire Art Deco Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This vibrant ring surely adds a drop of sunshine to your hand! Centered on a vivid, 4 carat flaming yellow sapphire which makes for an incredibly striking gemstone engagement ring. T...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 1920s Opal and Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.68 carat natural opal and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cluster ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collection This fine ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Oscar Heyman Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with 3.57ctw in Sapphires and Diamonds
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
This ring has been crafted with geometric patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 9 1/4. This classic wedding band has 3 single cut diamonds on the top of the ring. Item #R0948 Met...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 5. This five stone wedding band features single cut diamonds set in an art deco band. Item #R0953 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1925s Art Deco Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Shuttle Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow and white gold, eagle head hallmark. Delightful antique ring, its setting in the shape of shuttle is decorated with a brilliant- cut diamond in the center of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Antique Art Deco 14 Karat Yellow Gold Palladium Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Palladium Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band. This beautiful band is in great condition and has 5 diamonds on the ring. It has a low profile a...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Palladium
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Fancy Color Halo Diamond Engagement Ri
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Fancy Color Halo Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The center holds a ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold with a platinum top. Circa 1920. The ring is a size 8 and may be resized.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1 Carat Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
A lovely and vibrant round orange sapphire of approximately 1 carat glows from a sweet Art Deco era diamond and white gold mounting completed by a yellow gold shank. Diamond mounting...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$685
Art Deco Diamond Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k, French. This diamond-set Art deco ring is the epitome of effortless chic. The three brilliant white diamonds (H color SI1-2 clarity) are the perfect size for the mo...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.29 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.29 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive three ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$8,200
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920-30s, 14k, American. This Art Deco cocktail ring is all about the spectacular 4.18 carat pastel blue sapphire (no heat) and diamonds, diamonds, diamonds!
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum French Cut Sapphire Diamond Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Platinum French Cut Sapphire Diamond Band. This gorgeous band features 3 rows on natural french cut sapphire and two rows of single cut diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Halo Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Art deco sapphire diamond 18k halo ring featuring an approximately 0.75 carat blue sapphire. With 11 old European cut diamonds that weigh approximately 0.35 carats, graded H-I color,...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 6
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 6. This beautiful wedding band is crafted in 14k yellow gold and palladium top. There are a row of s...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 6 1/4. This classic wedding band features 3 rose cut diamonds set in beautiful yellow gold band from t...
Yellow Gold
Art Deco 3.49 Carat GIA Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco Era 3.49 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring composed of 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Old Miner Cut Diamonds and Turquoise Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Victorian ring with old miner cut diamonds surrounding the turquoise center stone. Item #R0502 Metal: 14K Rose Gold Weight: 5.1 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Two Tone Single Cut Diamond Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Two Tone Single Cut Diamond Band. This classic wedding band has 5 single cut diamonds on the top set in white gold and in a yellow gold ban...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 9K Rose Gold Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 9K Rose Gold Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring. This beautiful Art Deco old cut diamond cluster engagement ring is crafted in 9k rose gold. This gorg...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco 2.12 Carat GIA Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco Era 2.12 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring composed of 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s 26.86Ct Cabochon Cut Pink Coral and 1.80Ct Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 26.86 carat pink coral and 1.80 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow and white gold dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Art Carved Woodcrest 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Art Carved Woodcrest 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band. This beautiful band is signed art carved and woodcrest. It has an amazing classic des...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,600
Art Deco Diamond-set Snake Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k. Mixing ancient aesthetics with Deco simplicity, this chic ring is visually arresting and smartly au courant. Featuring meticulous construction and a sinuously fluid...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Five-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A good looking 18ct gold ring that has been set with five graded and well-matched good white diamonds with a total weight of approx. 1.30carats, platinum settings to an 18ct gold ban...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Emerald and Diamond Platinum Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful hand made emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring features an oval shaped emerald in the centre, mounted in an open back, 18ct yellow gold claw setting, with an appro...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Arts & Crafts 0.90 CTW European Diamond 14 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.90 carats - M color with SI1 clarity Set in a six-prong rose gold mounting with a highly rendered floral gallery Featur...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Old European Diamond Emerald Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Old European Diamond Emerald Engagement Ring. This beautiful Art Deco diamond and emerald engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold a...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum 1920s Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This tasteful Art Deco diamond solitaire engagement ring is simple, yet elegant. The near flawless center diamond is magnetic and eye-capturing with a warm allure reflective of it's ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.00 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful natural emerald and diamond cluster ring taken from a time when the Art Deco style was leading the way in terms of world design. A single emerald cut emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$1,650
Three Stone Art Deco Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k, American. This effortlessly stylish twenties ring combines classic style with sleek modernism. Set with .70 carats of brilliant white diamonds ( I-G color and VS cl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Carre Cut Diamond Band
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Tiffany and Co 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Carre Cut Diamond Band.This beautiful Tiffany and Co wedding band has sapphires and carre cut diamonds set on the t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trumpet and Horn diamond 18k yellow gold band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center stone: 24 rose cut diamonds Weight: Approximately .10 carats Color: H-I Clarity: I Metal: 18k yellow gold Era: Contemporary Circa: 2020's Hallmarks: Purity mark and makers mar...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Art Carved Woodcrest 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Art Carved Woodcrest 14K Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band. This beautiful band is signed art carved and woodcrest. It has an amazing classic des...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1920s 26.86 Carat Pink Coral and 1.80 Carat Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 26.86 carat pink coral and 1.80 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow and white gold dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This ...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum 18K Gold Old Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum 18K Gold Old Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA . This gorgeous antique Art Deco old marquise diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k white ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Old Mine Cut 1.30 CTTW Antique Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This three stone classic, is a beauty the cathedral shanks, the prong settings and the chunky cuts of the diamonds work together effortlessly in making a breathtaking engagement ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco French 18K Gold Old Euro Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco French 18K Gold Old Euro Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. The center of the ring holds a go...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.97 carat - J color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a platinum-topped octagonal form head with milgrain detail surround Fla...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.85Ct Ruby and 0.75Ct Diamond, 18k Rose Gold Dress Ring - Antique French
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French 2.85 carat natural ruby and 0.75 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold, platinum set dress ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry colle...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Sold|$8,000
1.53 carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s/c1920s, 18k, American. This robust diamond ring features a very sparkly 1.53 carat old European cut center diamond (N color VS1 clarity GIA report) elegantly surrounded ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Gold and Platinum Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Gold and Platinum Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum. The cent...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire & Diamond-Set Gold Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920-40s, 14k and Palladium, Tiffany & Co., New York City. Set with a gorgeous 2.08-carat sapphire (Royal blue, well-saturated with lovely play of light) with two white accent ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Filigree Emerald and Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Birmingham, AL
This stunning ring is a perfect visual description of the joyful luxury that was the 1920s. It centers a beautiful cushion cut emerald, estimated to weigh 0.20ctw surrounded by intri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Dated 1838 French Hallmark Two Tone Open Work Double Halo Diamond & Emerald Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Looking for something tasteful and understated? This piece is a delicate work of art. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and 14K white gold the knife edge shanks hold an exquisite delicately...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,350
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring 18k c1920s
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k Swiss. This antique-chic ring features 1.0 carats of lively red rubies and .50 carats of old-cut diamonds. The look is romantically feminine with lovely details. Tra...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 6 1/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 6 1/4. This beautiful wedding band is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The center holds three small rose cu...
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
Early Art Deco 1.68 CTW Topaz Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Antique Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut topaz weighing approximately 1.32 carats Transparent vibrant medium blue - set with tri-split wide prongs With halo surround of old European and single cut d...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.