Antique Ring 0.2 ct. Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Silver Ø US5.75 / 1.3 gr.
Located in SE
European ring from early XX century period with band in solid 14K Yellow Gold with silver bezel holding a Diamond Ø 3.25 mm x 1.9 mm deep / ca.0.2 ct , color ca,G,H /VS , with open b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Marquise-Shaped 18K Gold Ring with 0.70 ct Old-Mine Diamond & 18 Old mine
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This striking navette-style ring, crafted in warm 18K yellow gold (750‰), features a bezel-set old-mine–cut diamond of approximately 0.70 carat at its center. The elongated marquise ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.55ct Turquoise and Diamond Ring, hallmarked 1924
Located in London, GB
With Hallmarks dating to 1924 this wonderful carved shank ring showcases a trio of turquoise, accompanied by old cut diamonds. The central turquoise sits the largest at 0.25 carat w...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
The piece is finished with a pierced under-gallery, platinum shoulders and yellow gold band. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.9 grams Ring Size: L (52) Band Width: 1mm Face Dim...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Tampa, FL
Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold This classic 5 stone antique wedding band features 5 graduating old mine / old European cut diamonds w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Egyptian Revival Scarab Ring Banded Agate Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a museum quality Art Deco Egyptian Revival masterpiece. The ring is adorned with a central Scarab carved in Banded Agate of great beauty. The Scarab is accented by two Old ...
Diamond, Agate, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Filigree Carved 10 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 10 karat white & yellow gold. The 0.03 ct Single cut diamond is held high in four prongs ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Diamond Three Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Diamond Three Stone Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco Ceylon No Heat sapphire and diamond three stone ring is crafted i...
Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 18k Yellow Gold Wedding Band with Five Diamonds, 1927
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian ring features five antique old mine cut diamonds set in a graceful 18k yellow gold and platinum design. Dated 1927 and finely hallmarked, it embodies the refined elega...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A 0.75 carat old cut diamond sits central to this beautiful Art Deco solitaire ring. The claw set diamond has a colour of I and clarity of VS1. The platinum collet flows down into sh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Early Art Deco 14k Gold .60ct Diamond Filigree Wide Cigar Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - H Color - I1 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.60 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Solid White Gold w/ Rose & Yell...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Filigree Floral 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 7 yellow gold. The 0.07 ct old European cut diamond is held high in four p...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring A ring featuring old European cut diamonds & square cut rubies. Center Stone Weight: approximately 1.25 carats Two Side Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.25ct Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Art Deco era comes this wonderful emerald cut solitaire ring. The central emerald cut stone is 1.25 carat in weight, with a colour of H and clarity of VS2. It is claw s...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five old cushion cut diamonds are displayed in this beautiful Art Deco ring. The central diamond sits the largest at 0.30 carat, with the flanking pair weighing 0.25 carat a piece an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Drop Shape Natural Unenhanced Emerald Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Drop shape old mine diamond and emerald ring. Set to the centre with a drop shape old mine diamond weighing 1.56 carats, VS1 clarity, G colour, flanked by two heart shape old cut Muz...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 0.65ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Antique cluster ring dates back to the 1920s. At it’s centre, a captivating old cut sapphire sits, weighing 0.65 carat. Surrounding the sapphire are eight sparkling ol...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 3.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Antique 1920s cluster ring centres around a stunning 3.00 carat oval cut sapphire. The sapphire, which has been heat-treated to enhance its rich blue hue, is securely claw set i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco 1.06ct Old European Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.4 grams Diamond Details: 1.06ct, Old European brilliant, Light Yellow (O/...
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Carved Mogul Emerald Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped emerald cabochon weighing approximately 3.76 carats total Transparent medium green in color and carved 'Mogul' style with flower motif Prong set in platinum ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Men's 4.20 Carat Tourmaline and Single Cut Diamonds Royal Signet Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Men's 4.20 Carat Tourmaline and Single Cut Diamonds Royal Signet Ring 14k Gold. The ring is very well made design, structure and creativity brought to life. The center tourma...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.4 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US5 / 2gr
Located in SE
A Ring from 1920s -1930s decorated with natural emerald cut Emerald 4.75 mm x 3.75 mm x 2.1 mm deep ca. 0.4 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with si...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is embellished with a great assortment of twenty-nine earth mined natural gemstones, such: diamonds, amethysts and carvings of black jade.
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Art Deco 10K Tri-Tone Gold Cameo Diamond Ring, 1920s, Size 5
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant Art Deco 10 karat tri-tone yellow, rose, and white gold cameo diamond ring features a distinctive navette-shaped design that highlights its vintage-inspired craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
$27,600Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Cocktail Ring In 18kt Platinum And 40.44 Cts Star Sapphire & Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring Designed by David Webb (1925-1975). An outstanding cocktail ring, created in New York city at the jewelry atelier of David Webb, back in the 1975. This ring has been d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Art Deco 2.34ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Austrian, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning natural blue sapphire is the centre of this lavish art deco ring. The 2.34 carat sapphire is oval cut, and is a clear violetish-blue colour. It is certified by the Gem and...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØU7.25 /2.25gr
Located in SE
Three - stones Ring with bezel set natural Blue Sapphire stone square cut 4 mm x 4 mm x 1.8 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct. and two prong set old diamond cut natural Diamonds Ø 2 mm / ca. 0.06...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art-Deco emerald and diamond ring, the octagonal-cut emerald weighing approximately 2.1 carats accompanied by GCS Report stating to be of Colombian origin, surrounded by ten round...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond and Cultured Pearl Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian diamond and cultured pearl three-stone ring, the central cultured pearl, measuring approximately 6.85 mm diameter, set between two old brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing a...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,600
Antique Yellow Gold Engraved Diamond Engagement Ring 'GIA'
By Concierge Diamonds Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This custom antique inspired diamond engagement ring is a sweet solitaire that has an incredible amount of detail on the shank. With a built-in cathedral style setting, this round di...
Diamond
Unavailable|$5,375
1920's Art Deco Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Art deco Aquamarine and diamond ring set in 18ct gold and platinum. Circa: 1920
Aquamarine, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$13,990
Art Deco Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920
Located in Perth, AU
Original Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring. Centrally set with a square Columbian emerald cut natural emerald rubbed set, surrounded by 16 diamonds in grain settings with an ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$13,995
Art Deco Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920
Located in Perth, AU
Original Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring. Centrally set with a square Columbian emerald cut natural emerald rubbed set, surrounded by 16 diamonds in grain settings with an ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$8,097
1920's Demantoid Garnet and White Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
A 1920's Demantoid garnet and diamond cluster ring set in 18ct yellow gold.
White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,470
Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring 18 Carat Gold Platinum, circa 1920
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
FACE MEASURES: Width 9mm x Height 9mm x Depth 2mm METAL: Platinum/ 18ct Yellow Gold STONES: Old cut Diamonds (approx. 0.65ct total) CLARITY: SI1 – H colour AGE: Art Deco – Circa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$22,500
1920s Art Deco 1.64ct Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel, CA
A lovely floral ring hand-crafted circa 1920. This Art Deco era piece features a 1.64 carat Old European Cut diamond (estimated VS clarity) and 16 accent diamond weighing a total of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$17,630
1920s Yellow Gold, Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Torino, IT
This extremely chic 1920s 18K Yellow Gold Ring , centers a sparkling old cut Diamond that weighs approx 1.60 cts. Accentuating the center stone are 23 carré and carré calibré cut Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,840
Vintage Pink Coral Ring - 18K yellow gold, 0.5CT Diamonds, Cocktail ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Vintage Coral Ring - 18K yellow gold, 0.5CT Diamonds, Cocktail ring, Estate ring ~~ S e t t i n g ~~ Solid 18k Yellow Gold 12.97 grams Ring Size 6.5 US ~~ Stones ~~ Round Shape Na...
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,416
Art Deco 0.88 Carat Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring, circa 1920
Located in Essex, GB
Metal – The diamonds are set in platinum on an 18k yellow gold shank.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,425
Art Deco Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Celebrate gold and diamonds when wearing this dazzling 18 karat yellow gold ring from the 1920's.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,395
Antique Ring .20 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Art Deco
Located in Tampa, FL
A stunning Art Deco 18k yellow gold Antique engagement ring featuring a .20ct. apx. European cut diamond with SI2 clarity and H-I color. The calibrated synthetic sapphires surround t...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ART DECO Old European Fancy Yellow Diamond Platinum Ring Antique .65ct center
By Estate Jewelry
Located in Brambleton, US
ART DECO Old European Fancy Yellow Diamond Platinum Ring Antique .65ct center Estate This is an exquisite piece of antique jewelry that is nothing like you have ever seen before. ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Antique Engagement Ring 80 Carat Diamond, White and Yellow Gold, J35934
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautiful Art Deco Antique Engagement Ring featuring a .80ct. apx. center diamond that is O-P color and VS1 clarity. Although the diamond has a bit of yellow color to it, the yello...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,390
Art Deco Platinum and Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
Hand made genuine Art Deco 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond Ring embellished with deep blue old Sapphires. It features 3 3 Old Round Cut Diamonds, approximately 0.06cts in combine...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,014
Cartier Ruby and Diamond Double Headed Snake Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier 18ct gold ruby and diamond double headed snake ring Circa: 1920.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,428
Art Deco 14k Diamond Engagement Ring 0.15ct
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely beautiful diamond engagement ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! This lovely ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and white gold, and features a central .15ct old Europ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,550
Art Deco 18k & Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 0.38ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely diamond engagement ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! This beautiful piece is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum, and fears a central old European cut diamond, which...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,465
Diamond and Sapphire Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
An oval cut sapphire encrusted in the intersection of the pierced diagonals of this 18K yellow gold rectangular ring from 1920 enhances this jewel into an authentic Art Deco emblem.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
Unavailable|$1,540
Antique .50 Carats Diamonds Gold Palladium Fashion Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
A wonderful antique fashion ring featuring 3 rows of transitional and single cut diamonds weighing .50ct. apx. T.W. The clarity is a fabulous VS1 and H-I color. This ring is meticulo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Palladium, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,960
Antique .15 Carat Diamond Platinum Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
An artistically designed antique fashion ring featuring a .15ct. apx. center diamond with .20ct. apx. T.W. of diamond melee surrounding the edge of the round decorated disc head. It ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,454
Stunning Edwardian Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring, 1910s
Located in Antwerp, BE
The design of this enchanting engagement ring in platinum and 18K yellow gold will prove you to be a jewel true to the Belle Epoque as well as the Edwardian style. A grand old brilli...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,053
Genuine Vintage Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Although many design movements have political or philosophical roots or intentions, Art Deco was purely decorative. Period: ca. 1920 Material: Two tones of precious metal, the ma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,100
Art Deco .40 Carat Diamond Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
This is a lovely Art Deco diamond and sapphire engagement ring. It is crafted in Platinum & 18k yellow gold. It features a .25ct. apx. European cut diamond of H color and VS1 clari...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,762
Vintage Art Deco Engagement Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Although many design movements have political or philosophical roots or intentions, Art Deco was purely decorative. Period: ca. 1920 Material: Two tones of precious metal, the main...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Unavailable|$1,739
Vintage Art Deco Navette or Boat Shaped Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Although many design movements have political or philosophical roots or intentions, Art Deco was purely decorative. Period: ca. 1920 Material: Two tones of precious metal, the main...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,583
Art Deco 1.5 Carat Diamond Pearl Gold and Platinum Ring, circa 1915
Located in Goettingen, DE
Art Deco 1.5 Carat Diamond Pearl Gold and Platinum Ring, circa 1915 Very elegant ring with an oval ring head, pierced, set with one natural pearl in the center surrounded by 6 large...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Large Impressive Belle Epoque Art Deco Diamond and Pearl Engagement Ring, 1920s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Country of origin: unknown Style: Something between Art Deco and Belle Époque Period: ca. 1920 Material: 18K yellow gold and platinum (touchstone tested) Diamond(s): One old Eur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
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.
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