1920s 1.50 Carat Cabochon Cut Emerald and 2.85ct Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1.50 carat Colombian emerald and 2.85 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 5.22 Carat Black Onyx and 3.64 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, large vintage 5.22 carat black onyx and 3.64 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewel...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Diamond Cluster & Red Pink Ruby Art Deco Style Flower Floral 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Artistry and sophistication come together in a flower ring with rubies and diamonds from the Art Deco inspiration. The ring features a round shape center diamond on it surrounded by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.35 Carat Natural Diamond "Cuban Band" Men's Ring 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Cuban Band Deco Mens Ring Diamonds set cluster square screw top. .60ct. natural round cut diamond (center). K- Color vs-2 clarity Natural, Earth Mined. .75ct side baguette diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 1.88 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous 18k yellow gold engagement ring is centered with a lovely GIA certified oval cut natural ruby that weighs 1.88ct. The ruby is accentuated by sparkling round cut diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
13.7 MM South Sea Pearl 2 Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.7 Grams Pearl Diameter: 13.7 mm Pearl Count: 1 south sea pearl Diamond Count: 2 brilliant cut Diamond Color: G-H Di...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald Diamond Ring 14 Karat 1.15 Carat Natural Mod Deco*
Located in New York, NY
1.10ct Natural Oval emerald ring. 7x5mm emerald, even green clean clarity and transparent. .05 carat natural round diamond H-I color Si-2 clarity 14 karat yellow gold 5 grams D...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This is an art deco panel ring. Modelled in 18 carat gold and stones set in platinum. The diamond total of this ring is approx 36pts with the central diamond meauring 10pts. Ring S...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Diamond Round and Baguette Cocktail Cluster 3-Stone Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, GB
Diamond cocktail ring in 18-carat white gold. Feminine and delicate design offer a refined sense of graceful empowerment that speaks to quiet confidence. Diamonds fluidly trace the c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.24 Carat Cushion & Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: This vintage platinum engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 2.24-carat Cushion Brilliant diamond, graded J VVS2 by GIA, framed by eight glowing Old European Cut diamonds to...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful ring holds a total of six sapphires with the largest one measuring 25pts and the smalles measuring 7pts. The diamonds scattered in between measure 5pts each. The ring ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
4.80 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 4.80 carat blue sapphire and 0.15 carat diamond, yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections. This fine and impressive ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Cluster, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Vintage target ring is a true beauty. At the centre, a 0.40 carat round brilliant diamond, is held in a secure claw setting. Surrounding the diamond is a mesmerizing ha...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
What a stunning ring this is. Encrusted with diamonds, this ring has a lovely sparkle. The centre stone measures 7pts and he surrounding stones measure 4pts. The face of this ring ha...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Vintage target ring is a true beauty. At the centre, a 0.40 carat round brilliant diamond, is held in a secure claw setting. Surrounding the diamond is a mesmerizing ha...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 2.48 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 2.48 carat diamond cocktail ring in platinum; part of our diverse jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and ...
Diamond, Platinum
2.43 Carats Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum, eagle head and dog head hallmarks. Magnificent daisy ring, it is set with claws on its top of a modern brilliant- cut diamond, surrounded ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This is an art deco panel ring. Modelled in 18 carat gold and stones set in platinum. The diamond total of this ring is approx 27pts. There is a diamond at the centre and one on each...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.68 Carat Diamond and Turquoise Ring, circa 1908
Located in London, GB
An old cushion cut diamond is centred between two turquoise cabochons in this unique Victorian ring. The diamond is 0.68 carat, and is estimated as an H colour and VS1 clarity. Two s...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Vintage Tourmaline and Diamond 14 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous tourmaline is a deep inky blue/green colour and measures approx 2.5carat. This stone is surrounded by diamonds totalling 30pts. Modelled in 14carat white gold. Size: ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Bespoke 0.78 Carat Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to learning and spiritual healing. Lightweight and gorgeous, this is a perfe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and 1.10 Carat Emerald 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive vintage emerald flower ring with diamonds. Emerald Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 1.10 cara...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Emerald Diamonds Ring 14 Karat 1.20 Carat Edwardian Deco*
Located in New York, NY
.60ct Natural Oval emerald ring. 6x4mm emerald, even green clean clarity and transparent. .60 carat natural marquise & round diamond H-I color Vs-2 Si-1 clarity 14 karat yell...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal Triplet and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is a show stopper! The colours of this opal triplet are beautiful. The stone has pairs of sparkling diamonds sat either side which total 40pts. The ring is modelled in 18 C...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Rose Gold Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Round Brilliant Cut 1.00 Carat Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 7 1/4, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $30 fee. Once a ring is re-sized, we guarantee the work but we are unable to offer a refund on the sizing. Please c...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural 5.47 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 14k Solid White Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural 5.47 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 14k Solid White Ring featuring natural sapphire of 5.47 carats and diamonds of 0.39 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1.10 Carat Diamond and Ruby Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine Art Deco ruby and diamond ring. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color I Clarity P1 Cut Old European ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is gorgeous and holds an inky blue sapphire and baguette diamond step shoulders. The sapphire measures approx 2carat and the shoulders measure 30pts per side. Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.02 Carat Peridot & Diamond Leaf Fashion Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2.02 Carat Peridot & Diamond Leaf Fashion Ring 14k Gold. Creative design with a center peridot weighing approx 2 carats and a single diamond on top connecting as a leaf d...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold and Platinum Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is gorgeous and holds a pale blue sapphire and sparkling diamonds. The sapphire measures approx 10pts each and the diamond total is approx 8pts. There is an inscription on ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
10.90 Carat Natural Hessonite Garnet Diamonds Ring 14 Karat Double Halo*
Located in New York, NY
Hessonite Double Halo 9.45ct. Natural Red Hessonite garnet Ring 14.1 x 11.2mm Full cut oval brilliant Clean Clarity & Transparent Vivid Orange Red 1.45ct. Natural Diamonds...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring emeralds approx 1 carat , diamond approx 90 points most outstanding diamond and emerald ring, truly excellent! The i...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
1.18 Carats Oval Ruby and White Diamonds Double Halo Ring
Located in London, GB
Delicate yet full of life, this elegant ring is made extraordinary by its double halo of white diamonds, which makes it shine as brightly as its wearer. The vivid red ruby at its cen...
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
22.50 Carat Natural Green Peridot Diamond Demantoid Ring 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Peridot Cluster 21.00ct. Natural Peridot ring. Oval cut, clean clarity & Transparent. Classic Green Color Clean clarity 19 X 16.5mm 1.00ct Side round diamonds Full...
Diamond, Peridot, Other, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5.05 Carat Natural No Heat Color Change Sapphire Diamonds Ring*
Located in New York, NY
Halo Cluster Cocktail Royale GIA Certified 5.05ct. Natural Sapphire ring. Report: 5181699389 (to accompany) Transparent, vivid royal blue & Clean Clarity. Pure. No Heat, N...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 1.00 Carat Total Diamond and Ruby Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
A lovely old cut diamond is encircled by two halos, one of rubies and one of diamonds. The centre diamond is 0.20 carat, and is rub over set. It is graded as F to G colour and VS cla...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
White South Sea Pearl and 2 Pear Shaped Diamonds Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 16.8 Grams Pearl Diameter: 13.65 mm Pearl Type: White South Sea Pearl Diamond Count: 2 pear shaped Diamond Color: I...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
"Quarter Pipe" Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Set with 0.38 Carats Earth-Mined Diamonds
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes' Quarter Pipe ring combines a chaotic splash of flush-set diamonds and an orderly row of channel-set diamonds on a modernist, eye-catching ring in satiny 18 karat yell...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.00 Carat Natural Round Diamonds Fold over Ring Mod Deco 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Foldover Ring 2ct Round Diamond Bead Set ring Diamonds: Vs-2 clarity, G color. Depth of ring 9.8mm Size 6.75- We may not resize 12 grams. 14kt white Gold $8000 appraisal will...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.42 Carat Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Halo Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 0.42 Carats, Natural Demantoid Garnet and 0.65 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Demantoid Garnet's only known source used to be the Ural Mountain...
Diamond, Garnet, Platinum
Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Target Cluster, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Vintage target ring is a true beauty. At the centre, a 0.40 carat round brilliant diamond, is held in a secure claw setting. Surrounding the diamond is a mesmerizing ha...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Open Work Abstract Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Complement your jewellery collection with this gorgeous cocktail ring, exquisitely crafted in solid 18 carat white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.46 Carat Natural Emerald Diamonds Ring 18 Karat Vivid Green Halo A+*
Located in New York, NY
Halo Green. 1.66ct. Natural Emerald Ring 8.6 X 6.7mm Full cut oval brilliant Clean Clarity & Transparent Vivid Green / Zambia Best .80ct. Diamonds. Round & full cut...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Cultured Pearl and 1.23 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive pearl and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting. The oval shaped pierced decorated frame is orna...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Two Stone Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This is an art deco two stone ring. Modelled in 18 carat gold and stones set in platinum. The diamonds measure 15pts each and have a wonderful sparkle. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 N...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Modern 3, 18 Carats Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog head hallmark. In the shape of a daisy ring, it is set in the center with 8 claws of a brilliant-cut diamond surro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.797 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Halo Engagement Ring featuring a 0.797 Carat Natural Emerald and 0.45 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Chunky 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Chunky 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring most incredible chunky ruby stones with diamonds surrounding, truly excellent! The item comes without the box in the photos ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Triple Halo Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Triple Halo Ring 3 exquisite sapphire stone with diamonds surrounding, truly excellent The item comes without the box in the photos ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$6,004Sale Price|20% Off
Gia Certified 3.06 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Halo Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine GIA Certified Vivid Green Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Halo Ring. 3.06 Total Carat Weight. Large 2.72 carat emerald with a stunning intense vivid green colour an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimalist Multi Color Gemstone Cluster Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Minimal Emerald Sapphire Cluster Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural gemstones of of 0.08 carats and diamonds of 0.09 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.20 Carat No Heat Natural Ruby Diamonds Ring 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Halo Cluster Diana Prime GIA Certified 2.00Ct Natural Ruby Ring Report: 6197270663 Oval Brilliant Transparent, Purple - Red. 8.16 X 7.38 X 3.79mm No Heat / No Enhancement...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.39 Carat Emerald Cut Green Emerald & Princess Cut Diamond 18K Two Tone Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 4.39 carat emerald cut vivid light green emerald cocktail ring in 18K two-tone white and yellow gold, with a yellow gold 4-prong basket and white gold channel-set shoulders e...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This exquisite Art Deco Panel ring is centrally set with a blue sapphire. The stones are set in platinum to enhance their colour. Band modelled in 18 carat yellow gold. sapphire 25pt...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Emerald Diamond 0.90 Carat Vintage Platinum Filigree Milgrain Trim Size 6.5 Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Emerald Diamond 0.90 Carat Platinum Filigree Milgrain Trim Engagement Ring, finger size 6.5 – a timeless symbol of your love and commitment. This exquisite piece comb...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18K White Gold Diamond Eternity Ring 8.20ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' custom-made 18k white gold and diamond eternity ring. Stamped 18k, 750, D. 8.20, and weighs 18.9 grams gross weight. Pave set round brilliant diamonds, 8.20 total carats, G t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.54 Carat Natural Diamonds Fold Over Ring 18 Karat Fine Deco Bead Set Pave*
Located in New York, NY
Foldover Ring 2.54ct Round Diamond Bead Set ring Diamonds: Vs-2 clarity, G color. 25mm long 12.8mm wide Depth of ring 8mm Size 6.50 11.6 grams. 18kt white Gold $14000 appra...
Diamond, 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.
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.