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
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
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
14K Yellow Gold Men's Diamond Cluster Signet Ring, 0.90ct, Size 22
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This Men’s Diamond Cluster Gold Signet Ring is a bold and distinguished piece crafted entirely from 14K yellow gold. Weighing a substantial 14.77 grams, it offers a solid, confident ...
Diamond, Yellow 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
Vintage 1.13 Carat Emerald 2.20ct Diamond Platinum Twist Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The vintage emerald ring with diamond band is an excellent gauge of platinum and is in excellent condition.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Estate Vintage 14K White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring - VHK#328b
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Vintage 14K White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring - VHK#328b Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.8 gr...
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Empress Tiara Ring by Cynthia Bach
By Cynthia Bach
Located in Dallas, TX
For the princess, an 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Tiara Ring from Cynthia Bach. Gorgeous Ring for that special person. 1.20 CTW Diamonds. Size 4
Diamond, Yellow Gold
An 18k Bi-Color Toi et Moi Ring with Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 14k bi-color half-yellow and half-white gold 'Toi-et-Moi' ring featuring a brilliant-cut diamond at each end of the top of the ring (app. 1.5 carats total, G-J / SI-I). weight: 9....
Diamond, 14k Gold
Impressive Large Oval Citrine and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A bold and elegant cocktail jewel combining the drama of a large coloured gemstone with the timeless contrast of diamonds and white gold. Details Principal gemstone: Citrine Cut: O...
Citrine, Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,616Sale Price|20% Off
Vintaga 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintaga ring in 18k gold, set with natural emeralds totaling approximately 1.20 carats. Total weight: 9.4 grams Ring size: resizable to any size on request Condition: very good T...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Red Garnet and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This bold contemporary ring boasts a stunning combination of 18k yellow gold, rich red garnet, and rows of rectangular baguette-cut diamonds! The heavy, strong design makes this ring...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Sapphire Diamond Bar-Set Band Ring .80 TCW Vintage
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Tiffany & Co. band in platinum, circa 1990s to early 2000s, set with four round brilliant diamonds alternating with three baguette-cut sapphires. Approximately 0.80 car...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18k Two-Tone Gold Cocktail Ring with 0.80ct Champagne & White Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold ring set with champagne-colored and white brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 8.7 mm...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Invisible Setting Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Oval Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 8.0 grams. Total Ruby 5.25 carat AAA very nice red. Center oval Diamond approx 0.50 carat H-I ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Round 2.08 cts F VVS2
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Setting Solitaire Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire 6-Prong Certification: GIA 6223565177 Metal: Platinum PT 950 Size: 7 sizable TCW: 2.08 cts Main Diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 90's Diamond Pavé Cable Buckle Ring ~0.76ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A twisted rope motif in polished yellow gold sweeps into a crossover loop of pavé-set white gold diamonds, the two halves overlapping at the shoulder in a buckle-like knot. The inter...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.64ct 14k gold 8.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with brilliant cut diamond 2.64ct – F/G VS/SI – ring size U.S. 9 / EU. 19(60) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 3.9 mm high Ring s...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Diamond and Yellow Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This vintage gold eternity diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.46 Carat Diamond and White Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
An 18k Gold Cartier Band Ring Pavé Set with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat yellow gold band ring, half pavé set with 69 brilliant-cut diamonds (app. 1.33 carats, D-F, VS) in descending order of size across five rows, signed and numbered: Cartier...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Panther Leopard Jaguar Cheetah Platinum ring. Diamond Encrusted Head band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful encrusted Panther Leopard or Cheetah with Diamonds Appraised at $4600. Platinum PT900 Setting. 10.6grams total weight 1.10 CTW of Diamonds. SI Clarity with H-I color Det...
Diamond, Platinum
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Blue Topaz Ring
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
18K yellow gold ring set in its center with a blue topaz, cut in a faceted pear, estimated to weigh approximately 3.50 carats. Surrounded by a paving of diamonds estimated to weigh a...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Enamel Striped Diamond Ring, 0.36ct, Size 5.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking 14K yellow gold ring features a bold black and white enamel striped design, perfectly blending modern style with classic elegance. Accenting the vibrant enamel stripes ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold Kurt Wayne Turquoise and Diamond Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.5 grams Diamond Details: .15ct total weight, F-G Color, VS Clarity, ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Levian 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Crossover Ring - VHK#293a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Levian 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Crossover Ring - VHK#293a Item Details Year: 1990s Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Teste...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ring with Heart Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Accents
Located in BILBAO, ES
The sculptural gold setting reflects the bold and sophisticated aesthetics of fine jewelry from the late 20th century. Created in 1990, this refined statement ring combines colorful...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Handmade Ring
Located in Pasadena, CA
This stunning ring features a natural oval shaped emerald at its center, beautifully surrounded by natural diamonds, all set in 18K yellow gold mounting. The ring is approximately si...
HRD Certified Italian Engagement Ring 18kt Yellow Gold with Solitaire Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Width: 0,7cm Top Length: 0,5cm Top Height: 0,4cm Band Width: 0,3cm This HRD Certified Italian Engagement Ring is a refined expression of timeless elegance and fine Italian jewel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 11.8 grams Diamond Details: .25ct total weight, Round Brilliant, Na...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
FRED Vintage Signet Ring, 18k Two-Tone Gold, Brilliant Diamonds, French Designer
By Fred
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
FRED – Vintage Signet-Style Ring in 18k Two-Tone Gold with Diamonds (Circa 1990) A stunning vintage designer ring by FRED, crafted in luxurious two-tone 18k white and yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold
ct 1, 10 Diamonds Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
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, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Star Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k Gold Certified Ruby
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking and substantial star ruby and diamond cluster ring centred on a large oval cabochon natural star ruby weighing approximately 8.50 carats. Specifications: Gemstone: Natur...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold
1990s Oval Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive oval cut aquamarine ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14K Yellow Gold 9ct Tanzanite and Diamond Ring - VHK#896A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 14K Yellow Gold 9ct Tanzanite and Diamond Ring - VHK#896A Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 6.55 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.36 grams...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.33 carat (total) diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse vintage diamond ring collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Baguette Diamond Band Ring, 1990s Design
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage baguette diamond band is a refined expression of clean lines and understated brilliance. Ten precisely set baguette cut diamonds create a continuous ribbon of light acro...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2.50 Carats Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring. The ring features approx sapphires carat total weight of 1.75ct & Diamonds approx 0.75ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.50ct, 1990s
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 4.75 - EU 15.75 (49) Detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.5 cm w...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Baguette Cut Diamond Bow Design Big Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We cover all U.S. import taxes. No hidden fees. 💎 A vintage bow design ring in 18k gold, circa 1990s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 4 carats (E-F color, VV1-V...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Set with Tiffany-Style Engagement Ring & Channel
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a 14 karat yellow gold, diamond wedding band set with a 14 karat white gold mounting for your diamond/or gemstone. The engagement ring has ten round, brilliant-cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
TASAKI Ring. Genuine Tahitian Pearl Solitaire and Diamond. PT900 Large Tahitian.
By TASAKI
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Tasaki ring PT900 Platinum with Tahitian Pearl Solitaire. Diamond Accents. Details: Size 7.25 Can be resized 7.2grams total 11mm Gray Tahitian Pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Dome Ring with 0.36ct Diamonds, 1990s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted in rich 14K yellow gold, this stylish dome ring features a bold yet refined design. The front-facing dome is adorned with 18 round brilliant-cut diamonds, pavé-set for a cont...
Diamond
14k Bicolour Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 5.1 gr - US 7.25
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold entourage ring set with a central sapphire up to 1.10ct and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.50ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) detailed description...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with baguette and brilliant cut diamonds 0.60ct, 18k gold 5.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with baguette and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.60ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.25 - EU 16 (50) detailed description: the ring is approximately 1.2 cm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Pasadena, CA
This exquisite Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring features a vivid oval shaped emerald at its center, beautifully surrounded by sparkling round diamonds. Handcrafted in...
18k Gold
Onyx Turquoise Diamonds 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Step back into the glamorous Roaring Twenties with this magnificent a nod to Art Deco ring, a stunning example of the era's bold design and use of contrasting materials. This except...
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. ETOILE Diamond Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold 4.5MM Size 4.25
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Diamond Band Ring Style: Etoile Diamond Band Ring Metal:18K Yellow Gold w/Platinum Diamond Bezels Size: 4.25 Measurements: Band Width: Approx. 4.5mm Main Di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.66 Carat Sapphire and 1.90 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.66 carat sapphire and 1.90 carat diamond platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunnin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Gold Enamel Cocktail Ring with Diamonds, Size 6
By David Webb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This David Webb ring is very unusual, and I purchased this out of the United Kingdom. I have had a lot of David Webb jewelry and many rings by David Webb what is unusual about this r...
Diamond, Enamel
Vintage 1.10 Carat Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.10 carat diamond, 14 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our vintage diamond jewelry collection.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White & Yellow Gold 1.10ctw Citrine 0.30ctw Diamond Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking contemporary ring is crafted in 18k white and yellow gold, showcasing an architectural, modernist design. At its center rests a vivid 1.10 carat round-cut citrine, beze...
Citrine, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN ring with emerald and rose cut diamonds 18k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and silver ring set with emerald and rose-cut diamond up to 0.15 ct - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.2 cm long, 1.5 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.20ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (56) detailed description the top of the ring is 5.8 mm wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Diamond Platinum and 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds three sparkly diamonds set in platinum and the rest of the ring is modelled in 18 carat gold. The central stone measures 50pts and the ones either side measu...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Panther Leopard Jaguar Cheetah Platinum ring. Diamond Encrusted Head band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful encrusted Panther Leopard or Cheetah with Diamonds Platinum PT900 Setting. 10.6grams total weight 1.10 CTW of Diamonds. SI Clarity with H-I color Details: Size 6 Wonderf...
Diamond, Platinum
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.