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
14K Gold Ring with 0.3 Carat Diamonds Size 7 Resizable
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring is crafted in 14K gold. It features two rows of sparkling white round-cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in a sleek band design. Estimated total diamond weight is...
Diamond, 14k Gold
6.45 Carat Type A Burmese Jadeite and Diamond Ring in Platinum GIA
Located in Tampa, FL
Centered by a 6.45-carat oval jadeite cabochon, this substantial platinum ring is accented by two triangular-cut diamonds set in the shoulders. The jadeite presents a vivid green col...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Vintage 1990s Cartier Trinity 1.51ct Round Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Trinity diamond solitaire ring set in 18k yellow, white and rose gold, circa 1990s.
The ring is centrally set with a stunning round brilliant-c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
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
18 kt Gold Fancy Color Diamonds, White Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
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
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
HRD Certified Italian Band Ring 18kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Width: 0,3cm Top Length: 2,3cm Top Height: 0,2cm Band Width: 0,2cm This HRD Certified Italian Band Ring is an elegant expression of refined Italian jewelry craftsmanship, beauti...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Snowflake 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Size 5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features with 50 round brilliant D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds weighing an estimated 3.0 c...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
10k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.75ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k yellow ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.75 ct - I/J - pique - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide by 1.0 cm high...
Diamond, 10k 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
Giant OPAL diamond ring 14KT gold RARE ring!
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Giant opal ring with natural opal, diamonds and emeralds a cocktial ring perfect for galas and special occasions! Diamonds about 2 carats, opal about 30 carats and emeralds about 0.7...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k 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
0.90Ct Stunning Natural Ruby & Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.90 Carats Natural Ruby and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value: $2,500.00 Total Natural Ruby Weight is: Approx. 0.30 Carats Total Natural R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White 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
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
$26,400Sale Price|20% Off
AGL Certified Natural Chrysoberyl Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
AGL Certified Natural Chrysoberyl pearl and diamond ring, containing 1 Natural Chrysoberyl (measurements 13.97 x 13.20 x 7.86mm) surrounded by 16 3mm pearls and 20 round full cut ...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Pearl, 14k 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
Tiffany & Co. Contemporary Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Wedding Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring round brilliant cut diamonds bead set to front in graduated channel Weighing approximately 0.40 carat total - G/H color with VS2 clarity Accented by high polish finish Test...
Diamond, Platinum
Emerald Heart Invisible Setting Ring & Diamond 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive Emerald Heart invisible setting Ring with diamonds Total emerald 1.50 carat Total Diamonds 0.25 carat G-H-VS 18k Yellow Gold 8.0 grams Finger size 6 All stones are natural...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$4,088Sale Price|20% Off
18kt Gold Blue Zircon Ring with Diamond Accents by Adamek
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt Gold Blue Zircon Ring with Diamond Accents by Adamek Circa 1990's Weight: 7.51 grams Dimensions: 27 x 20 x 12 mm Finger Size: UK N (US 6 3/4, EU 54) Gemstones: Center Stone: ...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1990s Cartier Trinity 0.34ct Round Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Trinity diamond solitaire ring set in 18k yellow, white and rose gold, circa 1990s.
The ring is centrally set with a round brilliant-cut diamond. T...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Quadrillion Invisibly Set Diamond 1.36Ct & Ruby 4.31Ct Ring
By Bez Ambar
Located in New York, NY
Under the trademark Quadrillion, Bez Ambar created the modern square shaped princess cut diamond. It became one the most innovative and widely used gemstone cuts of the 21st century....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Rubies Opal Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Cluster ring in 14k yellow gold mounted with opal in the center surrounded by a rubies and diamonds crown. Diamonds 0.47 kt Rubies 3.44 kt Opal 1.60 gr/ 1.9 cm x 1.05 cm Tot.Weight ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Platinum Oval Sapphire Baguette & Round Diamond Cocktail Ring 7.63ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A striking estate cocktail ring crafted in platinum and centered by an impressive 5.53-carat natural oval-cut sapphire displaying a beautiful medium blue with subtle teal undertones....
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18K White Gold 15mm Golden Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Saskatoon, CA
Vintage 18K White Gold 15mm Golden Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring Hallmarked and tested 750 18K Weight: 14.6 grams Natural Golden Tahitian Pearl: 15mm 117 diamonds= .005ct e...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Le Baiser Du Dragon Diamond Ruby Ring by Cartier. With 56 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approx. 1.68ct This ring comes with Cartier...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Wedding Set with Illusion-Style Solitaire ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Ladies' 14K White Gold Wedding Set Center is a round Diamond measuring 3.2mm = 0.12cts in 4 prong setting, illusion style head weighs=4.6 grams Size ring 6
Diamond, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond Platinum Vintage Sixteen Stone X Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a high polished platinum band with "X" motif stations Prong set with round brilliant cut diamonds in between Weighing approximately 1.28 carats total G color with VS1 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.91 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage platinum ring features a GIA Certified Colombian 2.91 carat Colombian emerald with a square emerald cut, accented by 0.18 carat of princess cut diamonds. The setting mix...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamonds, Rubies, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Astonishing band ring in 14k white gold structure, totally studded with rubies and diamonds, This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths Diamonds 0.68 ct Blue sapphir...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage emerald diamond platinum and 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1990s ring showcases a vibrant 1.59 carat emerald, accented by baguette diamonds, elegantly set in platinum and 18k yellow gold for a timeless look.
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Kalati vintage sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold band ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A refined vintage band ring by Kalati, showcasing ten step cut sapphires arranged in a clean and elegant row of rich blue color. The geometric cuts of the sapphires give the ring a s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Lexington, KY
This stunning 14k yellow gold ring is made by the world renowned Tiffany & Co. and features pearl with a diamond centerstone. This unique combination of materials is the perfect ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s Sapphire and Diamond 18K Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.52 carat sapphire and 0.39 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold twist ring. This fine and impressive sapphire and diamond twist ring has been crafted in 18k yellow...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Niessing 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Azurite & 1.10ct Diamonds
By Niessing
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with azurite and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description The front of the ring is 3.0 cm w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.53 Carat Ruby and 1.03 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive marquise ruby and diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Fleurette Flower White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Diamond Fleurette Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 19 round brilliant cut diamond VS1 clarity, G color total weight 1.05ct Details: Size: 4 1/4 Width:...
Diamond, White Gold
4.80 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive oval cut sapphire ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 12.80 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Halo Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing 9.36 carats total - transparent medium blue in color Natural Ceylon (Sir Lankan) in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment P...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 14K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Delightful Emerald and Diamond halo ring with lovely baguette cut diamond shoulders set entirely in 14K White Gold. darling emerald and diamond halo ring, she sparkles in the sun...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage GIA 1.29 carat diamond sapphire 18k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dating to circa 1990 and weighing 5.16 grams, this is a versatile engagement ring or right-hand ring, sizable to fit at 6.25, that pairs classic three-stone symbolism with genuine ce...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Judith Lieber Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 14 grams Diamond Details: .50ct total weight, F Color, VS Clarity, Round Brilliant...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Sapphire & Pave Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire & Pave Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring, 1 round cut sapphire surrounded by pave diamonds Ring size: 8 Re sizable free of charge Gold Type: 14K White Gold
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 4.15 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond and Platinum Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this emerald cut eternity band in platinum. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) D/E Clarity (average grades...
Diamond, Platinum
JASANI 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.34ct Champagne Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
JASANI - 18k white gold ring set with fancy braun-colored brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.34ct - ring size 6.5 - EU 17 (53) detailed description The top of the ring has a diameter o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage emerald ruby sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold pave ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage pavé ring is a vibrant 1990’s design, featuring 12 cabochon cut emeralds, rubies, and sapphires weighing approximately 0.60 carat in total.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring with Natural Diamond, 0.03 ct
Located in Heemstede, NL
A timeless solitaire ring crafted in 14k yellow gold, featuring a natural brilliant-cut diamond of about 0.03 ct. The diamond is set in an open prong setting, allowing the light to b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Emerald 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This stunning ring combines the elegance of 14K yellow gold and the sophistication of 800-millesimal silver, creating a contrast that further enhances the beauty of the gemstones set...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Gucci vintage mother of pearl diamond 18k yellow gold clover ring
By Gucci
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18k yellow gold and hallmarked with signed, purity and maker's marks, the ring weighs 12.85 grams. Circa 1990, it is a playful, feminine flower for someone who loves a luc...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tsavorite & Diamond 14k Gold Frog Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A whimsical, fanciful frog ring unlike no other. The 2.20 carat diamond encrusted amphibian perched confidently atop a pair of pavé tsavorite lily pads gazing intently at a potential...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow ...
Vintage Oscar Heyman 2.45 carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
Discover the timeless elegance of the Oscar Heyman Vintage Platinum Ring. This ring showcases 35 step-cut natural emerald diamonds, totaling approximately 2.45 carats. Each diamond, ...
Diamond, Platinum
40.72 Carat Aquamarine and 1.82 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive 40.72 carat aquamarine and 1.82 carat diamond platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage jewelry and estate jewelry. This stu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
19.60cts AGL Square Colombian Emerald Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Treat yourself to this irresistibly stunning Diamond 8.64 carat Colombian Emerald 18K Gold Large Cocktail Ring! Crafted in platinum and 18K yellow and white gold, the center is Dee...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.03 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.03 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, white gold set trilogy ring; part of our diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Band Set Engagement Wedding
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Band Set Engagement Wedding This estate ring is crafted in solid 14K White Gold. The center natural Earth mined round Sapphire is 4mm (.34 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Jadeite & Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Pasadena, CA
This handmade ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered with two natural jadeites that give the piece its character and color. The jadeites are framed by round diamonds. Ring s...
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.