Vintage 2.40 carat diamond 18K yellow gold Dome ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage diamond dome ring is a glamorous 1990’s design, set with 59 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.40 carats in total.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.45 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.45 carat diamond and platinum solitaire ring; part our diverse collection of diamond rings.
Diamond, Platinum
39.0 ct. Ceylon No-Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Signed Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
& approx. 2.80 cts diamonds total Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat; E–F color, VVS–VS clarity Certifications: AGL Size: 6 Creator: Cartier Metal: Platinum Weight: 15.20 grams Period...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Bulgari Bvlgari Diamond Bypass White Gold Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Bypass Band Ring by Bulgari. With 1 Oval brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approx. .50ct Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Width: 10mm Weight: 5...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds, Band Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Band ring in 18k yellow gold structure, mounted with 1.29ct of high quality diamonds. The origin of this ring dates probably back to the 1990s, it was totally handmade by Italian mas...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century opal diamond 14k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking opal and diamond cocktail ring is a glamorous design from the 1990’s, centered by an oval cut opal weighing approximately 2.40 carats.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.70 carat diamond 18k white gold floral ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage diamond floral ring is a charming 1990’s design, crafted in 18k white gold and set with 21 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.70 carats in t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine 0.34 carat baguette cut diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our vintage jewelry/diamond jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Buccellati 6.85ct Diamond 18K Gold Statement Dome Engagement Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional creation from the legendary Italian house Buccellati, this dome ring showcases the brand’s signature artistry and intricate detailing. At its center is a magnificent J...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 6.52 Carat Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning 6.52 carat diamond and 18 carat white gold three stone engagement ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Fleurette Flower Platinum Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 13 Round brilliant cut diamonds total weight approximately 1.13ct E/VVS1 Details: Size 5 Width: 9.5mm Weight: 7 gr...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A bold vintage statement ring from the 1990s, this striking cocktail design showcases seven beautifully arranged baguette cut sapphires totaling approximately 0.80 carats. Their deep...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage emerald diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A refined vintage statement from the 1990s, this elegant cocktail ring centers on a vibrant 1.40 carat marquise cut emerald. Its elongated silhouette creates graceful movement across...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage GIA 2.00 carat diamond 18k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted circa 1990 and hallmarked for purity, the ring channels the romance of earlier engagement ring eras with its symmetrical, diamond-forward design.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Two Tone Gold Unique Flower Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This exquisite vintage flower-style ring is crafted in 18k two-tone gold, featuring round brilliant diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.50 carats. The diamonds are graded J-...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 6.84ct Peridot Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This peridot diamond ring in white gold is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Peridot, White Gold
Sapphire Diamond White Gold 18k Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Sapphire Diamond White Gold 18K Ring. Ring size: 6 3/4 Central Sapphire size: 9.30 x 7 x 5 mm. 18 small oval Sapphire 4.65 x 3.45 x 2.38 mm. each.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco style 1.06 carat diamond sapphire platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco-style platinum ring from the 1990s showcases a striking 1.06 carat emerald cut diamond, framed by old European cut diamonds and deep blue calibre cut sapphires for time...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Solitary Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Solitary ring in 18k white gold mounted with a central diamond, cut marquise, and lateral smaller diamonds. This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths Italian size 16...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.00 carat diamond 14k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage engagement ring brings together 27 princess cut and round brilliant cut diamonds for a full, textured wall of sparkle, totaling approximately 1.00 carat and graded H col...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.14 Carat Diamonds, White Gold, Flower Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion ring in 14k white gold structure, with flower design where all the petals are movable and studded with diamonds. This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths D...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1980s Diamond Sapphire Square Pinwheel Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This ring will make a statement without uttering a word! This pinwheel design, cast in platinum, is centered with a round, brilliant cut diamond weighing appx. 1.00 carats, H-I col...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Mayor's vintage 2.47 carat diamond 18k yellow gold ring
By MAYORS
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mayor's vintage 2.47 carat diamond 18k yellow gold ring is a striking example of bold 1990s luxury and refined craftsmanship. Crafted in rich 18k yellow gold, this substantial vintag...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Natural Emerald Diamond Platinum Oval Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite GIA Genuine Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring is expertly crafted in solid platinum with a total weight of 9.54 grams. The emerald with a weight of approx. 5.17 carats ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cantamessa 18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring
By Cantamessa
Located in Miami, FL
An original Cantamessa Italian cocktail ring crafted in 18K rose gold with a bold, sculptural domed silhouette. The substantial design is scattered with 80 vivid round-cut pink sapph...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold
Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This elegant 18-carat white gold ring is a jewel of rare refinement, perfect for those seeking a timeless and precious accessory. At the center of the setting shines a natural emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.0tcw Royal Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a sapphire & diamond statement ring/right hand ring. This ring is made in solid 14K yellow gold and displays 3.0 total carat weight in natural gemstones. Blue sapphi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s 1.50 Carat Round Cut Diamonds Link Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold featuring Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.50 carats, H-I color, VS1-VS2 clarity. Circa 1990s Size 7 1/2, resizable M...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.50ct Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold, 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage diamond engagement ring is a sparkling 1990’s design, featuring 25 radiant, square, and round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats in total.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring Platinum
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's. Beautiful 3 stone ring with emerald cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Men's Ring Square Design Natural Diamonds Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Diamond
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mens Diamond Ring Vintage Diamonds have a very good sparkle sort to speak "life". pre-owned in great condition as new overall Unique shape and design and looks great ! 14k White Gold...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Handmade Platinum Certified Oval Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at very elegant sapphire and diamond classic three stone engagement ring crafted in solid platinum. The ring features a gorgeous oval brilliant cut sapphire solitaire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1.21 Carat Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive emerald cut diamond engagement ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report certificate.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels 1.50 Ct Diamond Solitaire Pavé Engagement Ring
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless expression of elegance and craftsmanship from the legendary Maison Van Cleef & Arpels. This authentic diamond solitaire engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 1.02 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Two Tone Gold Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.1 grams Diamond Details: 1.25ct total weight, G color, VS Clarity,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Diamond Yellow Gold Three-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage 0.80 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold three stone/trilogy ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted in rich 18k yellow gold, this striking cocktail ring showcases a vibrant arrangement of blue sapphires and shimmering diamonds. The design features approximately 30 baguette-...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Emerald Ring Invisible Setting Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Vintage style & Vibrant invisible setting of square cut Emeralds Compliment the center Diamonds, which are Basel set tapper diamonds, Total Diamond weight 0.35 carat, GH...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Modern Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Fully hallmarked London 1990. Ring Size: G 1/2 or 3 1/2 Weight: 3.8g
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Art Deco Vintage Platinum Diamond, Ruby Plaque Ring, Old European Diamond
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking Art Deco style Vintage platinum plaque ring centred by a captivating Old European Cut diamond weighing approximately 0.57 carats, within an intricate geometric openwork de...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18 kt Gold Fancy Color Diamonds, White Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Cocktail ring in 18k white gold mounted with 3 fancy color diamonds and white diamonds around. Diamonds 1.34 kt Tot.Weight 9.70 gr Ref uafh For any enquires, please contact the sell...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
CITIOR 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Emeralds & Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
CITIOR - 18k yellow gold ring set with emerald to. 0.40ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to. 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 9 - EU. 19(59) detailed description: the top of th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.09 Carat Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This vintage 1990's cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Loree Rodkin Gothic 6 Carat Center Diamond Cuff Cocktail Ring
By Loree Rodkin
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A finely detailed, dynamic diamond Gothic Medieval cocktail cuff ring by Loree Rodkin. Centered by a single rose cut 6 carat diamond and accented by over 100 more diamonds; beautiful...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Platin 900 3.81 CTW Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An impressive natural sapphire and diamond cocktail ring crafted in platinum 900. In the center is featured a very lively 2.76 ct, natural blue sapphire measuring 9.5mm by 6.75mm. It...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Estate 18K White Gold Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning example of high jewelry design, this estate statement ring features a vibrant 14.50-carat oval-cut rubellite tourmaline at its center, radiating a rich red hue with except...
Diamond, Tourmaline
Vintage 18KT Gold Green Tourmaline Ring with Diamonds, Circa 1990s
Located in Braintree, GB
A bold vintage ring set with a vivid oval green tourmaline of impressive size, framed by a polished 18KT gold bezel. The shoulders are finished with diamond-set pavé panels, adding s...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 90s Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s 1.54 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1990s 1.54 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14K White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Ring - VHK#889A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 14K White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Ring - VHK#889A Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 7 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.21 grams Tanzani...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Signature X Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond X Band Ring by Tiffany & Co. With 14 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds VS1 clarity, G color, Total weight Approx .50ctw Details: Ring Size: 5 3/4 Weight: 6.9 gram...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Modern Diamond Amethyst Citrine Gold Flower Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A Dome style Diamond Citrine Amethyst 18K White Gold Flower Dome Ring This stunning ring is finely crafted in solid 18K White Gold. Displaying in (7) Round Cut, Genuine Daimond, f...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Gold
Vintage Half Eternity Diamond Band 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Half Eternity Diamond Band 18k White Gold Ring. The ring features approx 0.60 carat of diamonds and are of H/VS quality. The ring is made of 18k white gold and weights 9.5 gr...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Horseshoe Ring with 1.35ct Diamonds, 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage horseshoe ring is set with nine round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.35 carats combined, each stone graded H color and VS clarity for bright, consistent...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring - VHK#22
Located in Hicksville, NY
14K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring - VHK#22 Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
ct 1, 10 Diamonds Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Cluster ring in 18k rose gold mounted with diamonds. Diamonds 1.10 kt Tot.Weight 9.20 gr R.F +CCEI RK.AFAO120 For any enquires, please contact the seller through the message center.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Ring Mount Set with Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
This elegant 18k yellow gold ring mount set with diamonds is a precious piece from a Parisian jewelry archive. Never worn, this mount is waiting to welcome a central stone or to be w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LEVIAN 18K Yellow Gold Emerald .25cttw Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990 Item Details: LEVIAN Designer Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond Details Emerald: Natural Emeralds 1.00cttw Square...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Ring, 1990s
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
Turquoise Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 Karat white gold ring with an essential design dialogues with the blue of the turquoise that gives it traits of serenity and calm, elegance and grace. The diamonds that surround i...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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