19th Century Napoleon 3 Diamonds
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, R...
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Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, ...
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Brooches
Ruby, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel,...
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White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k G...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum, 18k G...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, St...
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Garnet, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k G...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Natural Pearl, Pearl, Garnet, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gol...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Bangles
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silv...
Antique 1850s Prints
Paper
Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 19th Century German Neoclassical Ceramics
Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century Unknown Empire Charm Bracelets
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Go...
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown High Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, ...
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold
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Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
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Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Bangles
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Cabinets
Marble, Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Bridal Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Bridal Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold,...
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings
White Diamond, Garnet, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Bridal Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Signet Rings
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Ro...
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Silver, Enamel
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Rose Gold, Silver, Ster...
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Cabinets
Birch, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s French Napoleon III Toys and Dolls
Iron
Late 20th Century French Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 1860s French Victorian Link Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Dangle Earrings
Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Wedding Rings
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Wall Mirrors
Wood, Glass, Plaster
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Bangles
Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
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Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Napoleon III Cluster Rings
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Mid-19th Century French Victorian Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late 20th Century Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yello...
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Link Bracelets
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-18th Century European Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1840s British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
19th Century Napoleon 3 Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are 19th Century Napoleon 3 Diamonds?
Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship
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.
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
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.