18K White Gold 5.90 cts Rubellite and Diamond Ring – Art Deco Style (circa 1990)
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Period: circa 1990 Metal: 18 K white gold Center stone: Rubellite Tourmaline – 5.90 ct Diamonds: approx. 0.41 ct (total, modern cuts) Total weight: 4.90 g Ring size: 53 (EU) – resizi...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold
Vintage 1990's Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Fun and vibrant multi-color sapphire and diamond ring set in rich 18k yellow gold. Great statement piece that is lower profile making it easy to wear. Size: 6.75 If you would like...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Two-Tone 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Ring, Circa 1990, USA
By David Yurman
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant David Yurman two-tone pearl and diamond ring highlights the brand’s iconic cable motif with a refined and timeless design. Crafted in sterling silver with 18 karat yello...
White Diamond, Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1990's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Twisted Rope Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.12 carat G color with -VS2 clarity - set in a high polish bezel Completed by grooved twist motif shank Stamped for 18...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst Sapphire Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold, Circa 1990
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Amethyst, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century A well-made late 20th-century dress ring set with an oval cabochon amethyst weighing approximately 5.14 carats, mounted in 18 ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,780
Sapphire Artdeco Ring
By Istanbul Diamond House
Located in Bayazıt, TR
Welcome to Istanbul Diamond House! This ring is designed and produced by Ali Kuyumcu in 1990's.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
French Carved Jade Diamond 18K Gold Sculptural Cocktail Ring, Circa 1990
Located in Miami, FL
A bold collector’s jewel that balances sculptural presence with elegant refinement.Origin: France Period: Late 20th Century Date: Circa 1990 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 21.91 gram...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,370
Emerald Artdeco Ring
By Istanbul Diamond House
Located in Bayazıt, TR
Welcome to Istanbul Diamond House! This Artdeco Ring is designed with a one of a kind emerald in the center. It is a 1,54 carat emerald ring with 1,57 carat baguette diamonds. It's d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold, Full Diamond Eternity Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1990
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Eternity Ring 18ct White Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1990 Celebrate your everlasting love with this exquisite vintage eternity ring, crafted from 18ct white gold and full...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Ebony Wood and Diamond Statement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, Circa 1990
Located in Miami, FL
Origin: Italy Period: Late 20th Century Date: Circa 1990 Style: Italian Modernist Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hallmarks: 750 Material: Ebony Wood Diamonds: 48 Round Brilliant-Cut Dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's 14K Two-Toned Channel Set Diamond Wedding Band, 0.76ct, 1990
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This Men’s Two-Toned Channel Set Diamond Wedding Band is a bold and refined statement piece crafted in a combination of 14K yellow and white gold. The substantial gold weight of 13.2...
Diamond, White Gold
Two-Tone 18 Karat White & Yellow Gold Diamond Ribbon Motif Ring 2.64 Carat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold ring featuring 40 round brilliants weighing 2.64 carats with a decorative 18k yellow gold ribbon motif trim. Average Stone: 0.07 PTS Color G Clarity SI Size 6 Sizeab...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1990's Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Three Stone Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a square step-cut sapphire weighing approximately 0.36 carats - transparent deep blue Bezel set and flanked by transitional cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.36 carat t...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Diamond Eternity Band, 24 Stones, Circa 1990
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center stone: 24 round brilliant diamonds Total diamond weight: Approximately 0.85 carats Color: G Clarity: VS Metal: 18k white gold Era: Vintage Circa: 1990's Gram weight: 3.69 Ring...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990's 3.36 CTW No-Oil Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Three Stone Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing 1.30 carats - transparent deep green Natural Zambian in origin with no indications of oil or clarity enhancement Prong set in gold basket an...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Estate 1990’s 18K Yellow Gold Diamond X Channel Set Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An exceptionally well-made cocktail ring from the 1990s, crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold with a bold, sculptural presence. The center is designed as a diamond-set “X” motif, pav...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Ring Set in 14k White Gold, Circa 1990
Located in Miami, FL
A striking pear-shaped Paraiba tourmaline and diamond ring circa 1990. The vivid turquoise Paraiba Tourmaline weighs 1.26 carats.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,500Sale Price|20% Off
Cable Diamond Wedding Band 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum 1.31 Carat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow gold cable motif wedding band featuring one row of 27 round brilliants weighing 1.31 carats. Color G Clarity SI Size 5 3/4
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Elegant 18K White Gold Emerald and Baguette Diamond Ring, Italy, 1990
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This 18-karat white gold ring represents a timeless classic of fine jewelry, where elegance, balance, and brilliance merge into a composition of extraordinary harmony. Expertly handc...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Oval Checkerboard Amethyst Ring 7.10 Carat Purple Statement Ring
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and bold, this striking ring showcases a richly saturated oval faceted checkerboard amethyst weighing approximately 7.10 carats, set in luxurious 18K yellow gold. The vibran...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,990
French Diamond Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
French Diamond White gold 18K Ring. In our opinion, Diamonds are estimated to be H color and Vs clarity. French mark and marker's mark. Ring Size: 4 1/4 US.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Diamond Ring Pear shape Natural Diamond Vintage diamond engagement ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage - New Creative Diamond ring Center stone: Natural Pear shape approx. 1.00 carat J-VS . side 2 diamonds 0.10 carat. total diamond weight is 1.10 carat. Set in 18k White Gold a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Pave Diamond Heart Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking cluster ring featuring a heart-shaped design adorned with bright white round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Natural Vivid Yellow Diamond & Golden South Sea Pearl Ring Circa 1990
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The pearl is accented by eight round brilliant natural vivid yellow diamonds totaling approximately 0.10 carats. The ring measures 13.7 mm at the top, with an 8 mm wide band, weighs ...
Pearl, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 18k Panther Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in San Antonio, TX
Cartier Panther Ring set in 18k White Gold with Diamonds weighing approx. 1.00ct, Pear shaped Emerald and Black Lacquer.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Men's Diamond Ring Cluster Diamonds Men Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage pre-owned in great condition needs some cleaning Mens Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold approx 8.30 grams Finger size: 9 (resizing possible) cluster area design size approx 10 x...
Diamond, Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
1.80 carat diamond ring
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Diamond Ring Style: Wide Band Ring with a classic-antique design, possibly inspired by Roman or vintage style Material: Yellow gold 18K with a matte finish and decorated edges Cen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 2+ Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This platinum and 2+ carat diamond engagement ring is incredibly dynamic. This beautiful ring features a stunning 1.72 carat modern round brilliant center diamond that can be seen fr...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2.13 carat sapphire diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage sapphire and diamond ring is a beautifully balanced design from the 1990’s, featuring 3 emerald cut sapphires weighing 2.13 carats in total.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
White Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A 14 karat white gold and diamond ring. Centering a brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.75 carat* highlighted by two (2) tapered baguettes. Total diamond weight approximately 0.85 car...
Diamond
Baguette and Round Brilliant Swirl Wave Ring 2.97 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow gold ring featuring 32 baguette diamonds and 13 round brilliants weighing 2.97 carats. Color G Clarity SI Size 6.75 Sizeable free of charge
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Diamond and platinum half eternity ring size 5, circa 1990.
Diamond, Platinum
1.28 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A very fine and impressive vintage 1.28Ct diamond and contemporary platinum solitaire ring; part of our diamond engagement ring collections.
Diamond, Platinum
14k Diamond “Criss Cross” Band Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.94 grams Natural Diamond Details: 1.20ct, total weight. Color: G-H Clarity:...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1990s Cartier Diamond Nigeria Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 4.50 carats. Signed by Cartier Circa 1990s Size 6 1/2
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
As if sculpted from moonlight. This elegant diamond band from Van Cleef & Arpels dates to the 1990s, a period defined by the maison’s mastery of refined modernism. Crafted in lumino...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Princess Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's. Great statement band with princess cut blue sapphires and sparkling white diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18KT White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring with 2.50ct Centre Diamond
Located in Braintree, GB
A bold and highly impressive diamond cluster ring crafted in solid 18KT white gold, centred with a substantial round brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 2.50 carats. The cen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Marina B
Located in Napoli, NA
Stunning five-stone band ring, with a typical Maison Marina B design. Estimated at 0.50 ct of VVS brilliant cut diamonds, E/F colour. CONDITION: Pre Owned - Excellent METAL: 18k Gol...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Wedding Band Platinum Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic Tiffany & Co. wedding band, made of platinum and diamond. The ring features a row of round brilliant-cut diamonds, channel set seamlessly into the platinum band. The carat...
Diamond, Platinum
Celine Diamond Ring. Diamond Solitaire Engagement Pt900 Platinum band. Certified
By Celine
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Celine Diamond Ring. Diamond Solitaire with accents Engagement ring. Certified. Comes with Celine Certificate of Authenticity. Details: Size 5 Pt900 Platinum 0.26ct with F...
Diamond, Platinum
Stunning Vintage sapphire diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage platinum ring from the 1990s showcases a striking 1.18 carat emerald cut sapphire, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds for a timeless, elegant look.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 5.12 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 5.12 carat (total) diamond and platinum solitaire ring; part of our antique engagement ring collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage diamond sapphire 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage ring is a colorful and elegant jewel from the 1990’s, crafted in warm 18k yellow gold with a striking combination of diamonds and sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,977Sale Price|21% Off
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Engagment Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful 14k yellow gold engagement ring features over 2 carats of natural diamonds! The center stone is a 0.57 carat marquise diamonds that is surround by a a series of baguet...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Vintage Platinum Engraved Diamond Cluster Ring - VHK#451C
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Vintage Platinum Engraved Diamond Cluster Ring - VHK#451C Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 4.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage .75ctw Diamond Dinner Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 5.25
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond round brilliant cut/ single cut/ transitional cut 1.6 - 4 mm approximately .75 total carats GH color/ SI1-I1 clarity Ring Size 5.25 Rise Off Of Finger: 4 mm Width:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Boodles Princess Cut Diamond Ring
By Boodle & Dunthorne
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous diamond ring from the luxury British jewellery designer, Boodles. A sensational bright white princess cut diamond sits proud at the centre of the face whilst ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Eternity Ring 18k Gold - 1990s
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
A classic expression of everlasting love and elegance, this vintage eternity ring (circa 1990) is crafted in solid 18k gold. The band features a continuous, shimmering pattern altern...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.75 Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75ct, total weight Cut: Round Brilliant Clarity: G-H Color: VS Ban...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Ruby Diamond Ring 18 Karat Natural Baguette Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brilliant Large Ruby Diamond Ring Vintage pre-owned - as new condition. Statement Impressive bold and Royal. 18k Yellow Gold approx 12.50 grams Finger size 8 (can be resized) Taper ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
AGL 7.91cts Colombian Emerald 5.20cts Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An extraordinary AGL-certified Colombian emerald ring showcasing a magnificent 7.91 carat oval cabochon emerald, richly saturated and luminous. Flanked by two cushion-cut diamonds to...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage GIA 3.83 carat sapphire diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage GIA 3.83 carat sapphire diamond platinum ring is an elegant and sophisticated statement piece showcasing the timeless beauty of a richly colored cabochon sapphire. Centered b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1990s Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Chopard Circa 1990s Size 6
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.25 carat diamond 18K yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage diamond ring is a beautifully balanced 1990’s design, featuring 5 emerald cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.25 carats in total.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 0.65ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Broomall, PA
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 0.65ct Diamond Solitaire Ring This Tiffany & Co. solitaire ring is ideal for anyone with a minimalist aesthetic. The sleek Platinum setting showcases this pi...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Pavé Diamond Set Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a timeless diamond ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier. This wonderful piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases three gliste...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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.