Antique Art Deco 14 Karat Two-Tone Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Two Tone Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band. This beautiful band is in great condition and has 5 diamonds on the ring. It has a low profile and would sit...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1925s Art Deco Sugarloaf Chalcedony Rose- Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum. Imposing antique ring, it is closed set on its top with a sugarloaf- cut lavender blue chalcedony. The entire tray is set with rose- cut d...
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Old Ring natural 1.25ct Yellow Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Ø US7 / 3.68gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Orange toned Gold with natural Yellow Sapphire and 10 Diamonds in Silver clusters. Carved shoulders,reinforced band.. The back view is peculiar: deli...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k 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. This beautiful wedding band is crafted in 14k yellow gold. There are three tiny single cut diamonds on the...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1920s French Antique Diamond Gold Platinum Whirl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinium and 18 carat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This radiant antique ring is claw set with whirls of rose cut diamonds and a beautiful central brilliant cut diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 18k Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Eternity Band. This beautiful band is a rare one! It has old european cut diamond going around the band featuring b...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1.31 Carat Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Capture a part of the Art Deco Era’s vivacious style with this gorgeous ring! Composed of 14k yellow and white gold and fashioned in a three-stone design, this piece showcases a radi...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14 Karat Yellow Gold 3-Stone Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold 3 Stone Diamond Wedding Band - Size 6 1/4. This gorgeous pristine wedding band is a new old stock ring that has never been worn before. It h...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Top Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Art Deco engagement ring in 18K Yellow Gold with a platinum top featuring an Old mine cushion cut diamond in the center bezel surrounded by a halo of smaller old mine cuts. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$2,350
Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k, American. Set with a sparkly white 1.07-carat diamond (G color, I1 clarity), this classic 1920s yellow gold engagement ring is perfection! The six-prong mounting is...
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, White G...
2.00 Carat Art Deco Diamond Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as stylized number 8 with two millegrain set cushion cut diamonds weighing approximately 2 cts, the borders and the shoulders set with round cut diamonds. Mounted in plat...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French Art Deco Emerald & Old Cut Diamond Oval Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco Emerald & Old Cut Diamond Oval Cluster Ring composed of 18k yellow gold & 18k white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1920s Art Deco Emerald and Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Art Deco Emerald and Old European Diamond Ring - VHK#947 Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 4.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful vintage ring with a genuine Aqua center surrounded by blue Sapphires and round diamonds. Engraved and filigree top. 1 round Aquamarine, approx. total weight .50cts, 12 ...
Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,800
Three-Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Claw-set with three old round brilliant-cut diamonds, to a plain hoop, size 7, estimated total diamond weight approximately 2.00ct
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 9 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb vintage Art Deco ring with a square cluster of sapphire and diamonds. The beautiful central blue sapphire measures 20 points, the four corner sapphires each measure 10 point...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Blue Green Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare one of a kind MK 1920's Art Deco natural bluish green Sapphire from an estate. AGL certified 2.33ct natural no heat grayish blue green Sapphire, no enhancements. AGL certific...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,500
Aquamarine and Diamond Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k, American. This classic ring from the 1920s is set with a superb 3.29 carat deep blue aquamarine surrounded by 1.26 carats of dazzling diamonds. It’s warm, old-worl...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,880
French Art Deco Diamond Antique Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Yellow gold and white gold ring, 18 carats, eagle head hallmark. This square shaped antique ring is set with 5 rose cut diamonds in an openwork star themed motif that is surrounded ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Art Deco cluster ring. The cluster is beautifully designed in platinum to complement the white diamonds. The central old European cut stone measures approximately 10 poi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$14,000
Men’s Diamond Bezel Heavy Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Transitional European cut diamond circa 1920 in a handmade heavy solid 18k yellow gold men’s ring with a Platinum bezel.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
1920s 1.50ct Cabochon Cut Emerald and 2.85ct Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1.50 carat Colombian emerald and 2.85 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections This stunni...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Pearl Diamond 9 Karat White Gold Target Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Pearl Diamond 9 Karat White Gold Target Ring. Featuring one pearl. Accented by 10 old European cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.80 carat, graded near-...
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,950
14K Art Deco .66ct Diamond Men's Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold Art Deco men's ring with a European cut diamond set in 18K white gold top.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Ring 0.25ct Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 5US /1.3 gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring made in Europe, ca. 1920s. Solid 14K Yellow Gold band, carved ornaments on the shoulders. Old European cut Diamond in White Gold bezel measures Ø 4 mm x 2.2 mm dee...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning Art Deco cluster ring holds a total of 30pts of diamonds including the shoulders. The stones are all set in platinum and the rest of the ring is modelled in 18ct gold. ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning Art Deco cluster ring holds a total of 20pts of diamonds including the shoulders. The stones are all set in platinum and the rest of the ring is modelled in 18ct gold. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold
Art Deco filigree Ring in 18kt Gold and Platinum with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
The sapphires offer a striking contrast with their vibrant blue hue, perfectly balancing the soft sparkle of the diamonds. Period: 1920's Style: Art-Deco Metal: 18Kt Gold & Platinu...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Plat...
Art Deco 14K Two Tone Vintage .25Ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here is a art deco solitaire filigree ring. A dainty and elegant classic. This ring is crafted in 14K yellow and white gold giving this piece a beautiful two tone affect. Along the y...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1920's Art Deco Two Tone 18k GIA Certified 1.04Ct Marquee Cut Vintage
Located in Addison, TX
This killer beauty is not only a one of a kind piece but also one of the highest grade diamond that we have in our collection. The F colored showstopper is just over one carat. The y...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,200
Art Deco Diamond Set Gold Buckle Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k, American. This charming Art Deco buckle ring embodies the whimsical fashion of the Art Deco period. Hand-finished with meticulous coin edge engraving and sporting a...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Turquoise and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A spectacular vintage five-stone ring. Set with five wonderful cabochon cut turquoise with diamonds points in between. Modelled in 18 carat yellow gold. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 Band ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique French 18k Gold Platinum 1.5ct Diamond Ruby Milgrain Open Work Oval Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This outstanding antique ring was crafted in France from solid 18k yellow gold with a platinum top during the art deco period and features an oval design that is neatly set with fine...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø US8/ 3.1 gr
Located in SE
Old cluster ring ,fine example of early XX century design. Combination of Gold, Platinum and Diamonds of different cut. Platinum on Gold openwork crown with 19 natural Diamond stone...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k TT Gold 0.43ctw Bezel Square Step Cut Diamond Tulip Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful antique diamond solitaire ring was crafted during the Art Deco period from solid 14k yellow gold with solid 14k white gold tulip flowers at its sides. The stunning dia...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Filigree Carved 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Solitary Diamond Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Art Deco solitaire is a fine example of a filigree solitaire engagement ring crafted in 14 karat white & yellow gold. The 0.11 ct Single cut diamond is held high in four prongs ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond Ring 14k / Plat, circa 1920s
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k / Platinum. Set with 1.10 carats of old cut diamonds, this romantic Art Deco ring features a platinum filigree top and a fourteen karat yellow gold undergallery and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Antique engagement ring featuring an old mine cut diamond with an approximate weight of 0.65ct in an open back illusion box setting, typical of the period. This lively stone is set i...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$1,250
Yellow Gold and Platinum Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14 karat Yellow Gold & Platinum Weight: 3.6 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Antique Single Cut Carat Weight: .20 carat total weight Color: F Clarit...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Extremely Rare Tiffany & Co. No Treatment Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Be blown away by this extremely rare circa 1920s all original Tiffany & Co. Colombian no treatment emerald and diamond ring. With a six-prong bypass-style shank, 1.19 carat of Colom...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Gypsy Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful gypsy three-stone ring set with a total of 15pts of beautiful white round cut diamonds. The stones sit between fine detailed shoulders. Modelled in 18 carat yellow gold. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Stunning French Art Deco Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k and Platinum, France. Striking design, fine gold work, platinum settings, and 5.0 carats of brilliant white diamonds coalesce in this exquisite French ring. Effortl...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k. This elegant twenties ring features a stunning 1.28ct Ceylon sapphire of incredible color and clarity, surrounded by 1.0 carats total weight of European cut diamon...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14 Karat Yellow Gold Single Cut Diamond Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful antique wedding band with single cut diamonds. Item #R0550 Metal: 18K White Gold Top & 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 1.2 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.05 cts D...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite five-stone ring set with beautiful emerald cut emeralds which total 70pts. Either side of this beautiful row of green stones are pairs of diamond points. modelled in 18c...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early Art Deco Filigree Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Adorn your finger with the timeless allure of Art Deco fashion. This exquisite late Edwardian/early Art Deco filigree ring sends forth old world elegance with its stunning platinum d...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Burmese Red Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in London, England
A beautiful late Art Deco ruby and old mine cut diamond trilogy engagement ring set in 18k yellow and white gold. This classic design of engagement ring is centrally set with a roun...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Peacock 1.75 Carat Old European Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Unisex Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bombay band ring centers a flushly set old European cut diamond Weighing approximately 1.75 carats with J color and SI1 clarity Completed by a bright polish Signed Peacock with ma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18 Karat Gold 2.02 Carat No Heat Red Sapphire Victorian Filigree Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have an outstanding 2.02Ct No Heat Red Sapphire, this gorgeous oval sapphire has a deep red hue with a touch of purple. giving it a one of a kind color. Accenting the red sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1925 Carved Agate Ring With Pigeon In Platinum With Diamonds And Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco carved agate ring with a stylized pigeon. Very handsome and unusual cocktail ring, created during the art deco period, back in the 1925. This ring is made up from a carv...
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$2,100
Imperial Russian 14k Signet Ring c1920s
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k, Russian, Soviet Era, probably by Faberge workmen. Decorated with the Imperial double eagle Crest and set with a diamond, this enamel signet ring has an interesting ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,600
Art Deco 5.90 Carat Aquamarine Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 14k, American. This beautiful Art Deco ring is all about the fine 5.90 carat aquamarine. Featuring intricate white gold filigree with yellow gold accents, the look is v...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$7,825
Triple Cluster Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A triple cluster diamond ring, the three graduating clusters of old brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 1.5 carats in total, claw set in yellow gold mount, circa 1920, later h...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Three-Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century three stone emerald and diamond ring, the old European-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.8 carats, set between two shield-shaped emeralds estimated to weigh 0.9 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco GCS Certified 1.22 Carat Columbian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco emerald and diamond cluster ring, the 1.22 carats octagonal-cut emerald accompanied by GCS Report, stating to be of Colombian origin with minor clarity enhancement, rub-o...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Sold|$41,500
1920's Tiffany & Co. Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1920's Tiffany & Co. ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set with one 2.78 carat Fancy Yellow diamond.
Diamond, Platinum, 18k 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.