Russian Pear Cut Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive contemporary Russian 0.75 carat sapphire and 0.68 carat diamond, 14k yellow and white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,231Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century with Rose-Cut 1ct Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A stunning early 20th-century ring crafted in 18k gold with 925 silver accents, featuring 1.00 ct of rose-cut diamonds. Weight: 6.5 grams Size: ES 14.5 / EU 54.5 / US 7.25 Diamonds:...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian Emerald & Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Weight & Size: Emerald cut emerald -0.60 crt Rose cut diamonds -1.00 crt Total carat weight (TCW) – 1.60 crt Millimeters: size of the ring: 25mm*21mm Weight:4.6 gram Size of the rin...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Yellow Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 2.835 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I1-I2, Color: I-J, Count: 7, Cut: Excellent, Origin: Natural, Sett...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond engagement ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond, K colour, VS2 clarity, with an approximate weight of 2.73 carats in an open back rubover milleg...
Diamond, Platinum
14K White Gold Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This gorgeous 14k white gold ring features a vibrant green Tsavorite Garnet, surrounded by a halo of diamonds. The green gemstone is a deep, yet bright, green that reflects the light...
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.30ct Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful old mine cut diamond is surrounded by a glittering halo in this cluster ring dating back to the 1920s.
Diamond, Platinum
$7,400Sale Price|25% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 1.30ctt Fancy Deep Orangey Pink Diamond Ring 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern pink and yellow diamond cocktail ring, GIA certified. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. 1.30 carats total diamond weight. 0.32 carat radiant Fancy Deep Orangey...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Ro...
14K Rose Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Rose Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 2.835 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I1-I2, Color: I-J, Count: 7, Cut: Excellent, Origin: Natural, Settin...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Yellow Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 2.835 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I1-I2, Color: I-J, Count: 7, Cut: Excellent, Origin: Natural, Sett...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Yellow Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 2.835 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I1-I2, Color: I-J, Count: 7, Cut: Excellent, Origin: Natural, Sett...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Yellow Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 2.835 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I1-I2, Color: I-J, Count: 7, Cut: Excellent, Origin: Natural, Sett...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Yellow Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 2.835 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I1-I2, Color: I-J, Count: 7, Cut: Excellent, Origin: Natural, Sett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
1915 english sapphire Diamond platinum target ring
Located in London, GB
Diamond and sapphire target ring. Set centrally with a round old cut diamond in an open back rubover millegrain setting with an approximate weight of 1.10 carats, encircled by a row ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 30 round white diamonds totaling of 0.18 carats and 2 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.06 carats. Appro...
Diamond, White Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, hallmarked 1886
Located in London, GB
Five beautiful old cut diamonds are on display in this Victorian ring hallmarked 1886. The largest diamond sits central at 0.30 carat, whilst the flanking pair weigh 0.20 carat a pie...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Diamond and White Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1950s 0.59 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold twist ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive Art Deco diamond ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.62ct Oval Opal Diamond Ring in 18k Rose Gold by Roshe Jewels
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.62 Carat Oval Cut Opal Diamond Rose Gold Ring The Oval Cut Opal in this ring weighs 3.19 carats and the measurements of the Opal are 9 mm x 14 mm. The Opal is surrounded by 2 Roun...
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 0.70ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, hallmarked1961
Located in London, GB
With hallmarks dating to 1961, this beautiful opal and diamond ring has been created in a Victorian style. A trio of opals take centre stage with the largest sitting central at 0.30 ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K White Gold Band
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K White Gold Band This wonderful piece of estate jewelry is crafted in solid 18K white gold with yellow gold accent. The center presentation is set ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Georgian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A Georgian Period cluster ring containing approximately 1.55 carats total weight old mine and rose cut diamonds and approximately 1.50 carats total weight emeralds set in 14K gold to...
Victorian 0.65ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This elegant Victorian ring features five glistening old cut diamonds gentle tapered from the centre out. The largest central diamond is 0.25 carat, with the flanking pair weighing 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.70ct Diamond Five Stone RIng, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This classic Victorian carved shank ring features five old cut diamonds graduating in size. To the centre sits the largest weighing 0.20 carat, flanked by two 0.15 carat stones and e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful and chic diamond pressure ring set in 18k rose gold . The diamond weight is .48 carats and net gold weight is 4.504 grams. The ring dimensions in cm 1.5 x 2.2 x 2.1 (LXWX...
Diamond, Gold
Raised Platform "Predicta" Ring with Pavé Diamond Grid in Rose Gold Mounting
By Eytan Brandes 1
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This one-of-a-kind ring was designed and hand-set here in our shop by Eytan Brandes. The sleek raised rose gold platform is cast in a soft square framing a grid of diamonds. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
2.48ct Pink Lab Heart Diamond Halo Wide Dome Ring 14K White Gold Wedding Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K solid white gold ring. Fancy pink heart-cut lab diamond centre — single white round brilliant pave halo. Wide dome band: multi-row white round brilliant pavé, full width of shank...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1900s Antique Diamond and Pearl Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat rose gold, silver set cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco 0.74ct Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco halo ring centres around a 0.74 carat old cushion cut diamond. The sparkling stone is of good quality with a colour of G and clarity of VS2. Encircling the di...
Diamond, Platinum
1970s Oval Cut Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Natural blue Cut Oval Content 0.84 carat Dimensions 5.93mm x 4.66mm x 3.56mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS 2 Cut Modern...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Shy 3.0ctw GIA Fancy ORANGE Diamond Ballerina Cocktail 14KW Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Post-War Sparkle - VINTAGE "BALLERINA" 2.83ctw GIA NATURAL FANCY ORANGE ROUND DIAMOND 14k WHITE Gold Ring, CIRCA 1950s. Inspired by the post-war era of glamour, the Ballerina ring em...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.65ctw Diamond Flower Bypass Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 5.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.65ctw (0.20ctw centers, 0.45ctw accents) Cut - Round Brilliant Color - F - H Clarity - VS2 - SI2 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold W...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Era Blue Glass Diamond Unisex Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive late 18th century, circa 1790, silver-topped gold ring is vertically set with a large cobalt blue glass plaque centered with three old cut diamonds set in silver cut ...
Diamond
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Fleurette Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring round brilliant cut diamonds prong set as floral motif cluster With additional diamonds pavé set in domed shoulders Weighing approximately 1.85 carats total F/G in color wi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Floral Twist Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G/H Clarity (average grades) SI2/P1 Cut Modern brilliant round Content (total) 0.42 carat Dimensions Length of setting 1.19cm/0.46" Width of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.20ct Diamond and Sapphire Target Ring, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in the 1980s with a strong Art Deco style this wonderful target ring centres around a single 1.20 carat old cut diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14K White Gold Square Modified Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring 0.70ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' designer diamond engagement ring in 14k white gold. Stamped 14k, Neil Lane, and weighs 5.4 grams gross weight. The center diamond is a .70 carat square modified brilliant cut...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.50ct, Circa 1990s
Located in Portland, England
An extraordinary vintage diamond cocktail ring crafted in rich 18ct white gold, featuring a triple-tier cluster of 25 dazzling round brilliant-cut diamonds with a total estimated car...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Circa 1900 0.51ct Blue Sapphire 0.31ct Diamond Rose Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.51 carat sapphire and 0.31 carat diamond, 15 karat rose gold cluster ring; part our antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Navette Platinum Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
The bold design is further complemented by 12 additional eight cut diamond, 6 on each side of the central cluster, and blends seamlessly into a delicate platinum band with diamond se...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
"Big Cookie" 0.36ct Natural Diamond Ring in 14K Rose Gold by Eytan Brandes
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Every cookie is different and delicious, and so are Eytan's Cookie rings! This one is a gorgeous shade of rose and is faced entirely with tiny beads, which give the gold its distinc...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Citrine and Diamond 18K Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning 18K yellow gold and platinum ring features a captivating 7-carat citrine in a rich, deep orangey-amber hue, radiating warmth and brilliance. The citrine is beautifully ...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby And Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This timeless piece features a vibrant oval-cut ruby as its centerpiece, framed by a shimmering halo of round-cut diamonds. Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold (hallmarked "585"), th...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
Three rows of gemstones stud this gorgeous Victorian ring. Five diamonds form the middle row, with five sapphires above and five rubies below. The diamonds are G colour and VS clarit...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.88ct Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
An eye catching Art Deco halo ring with a gorgeous 0.88 carat old cushion cut diamond in the centre. Surrounding is a halo of eight cut diamonds which then also softly lead down the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Rene Boivin Paris Quatre Corps Ruby Diamond Gold Vintage Ring
By Rene Bovin
Located in Greenwich, CT
Center of attention. This Rene Boivin Paris 'Quatre Corps' ruby, diamond, and gold vintage ring is both eye-catching and collectible. Boivin hallmarks. Circa 1960. Ruby weight 5....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
AIGS Certified 1.00 Carat Natural No Heat (Untreated) Ruby Ring made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in Platinum featuring a AIGS Certified 1.00 Carat Natural No Heat, Pigeon Blood Ruby and 0.45 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit me...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Diamond Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.60 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set twist style cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.33 Carat Pigeon's Blood Red Burmese Ruby Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.33 Carat Natural Pigeon's Blood Red Burmese Ruby and 0.37 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskri...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning deep blue sapphire sits central in this classically Art Deco ring. The sapphire is an oval cut stone, weighing 1.50 carat. Flanking the sapphire down stepped shoulders are...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 2.00ct Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1910s, this stunning piece centres around a 2.00 carat emerald. The natural gem is in the classic emerald cut and claw set in platinum. Flanking the fabulous green ston...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 4.50ct Jade and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
A show stopping, 4.50 carat Jade is surrounded by a halo of round brilliant diamonds in this vintage cocktail ring. The marquise cabochon cut Jade is a completely natural and unenhan...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique victorian 10k gold ring centered with 2 rose cut diamonds in full facets excellent spark back foiled with total estimate diamond weight of 1.80 carats ring dates back to the ...
Art Deco 1.05ct Cognac Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
The Art Deco era’s opulent style is on display in this beautiful diamond halo ring. The unusual cognac coloured diamond is an old cut stone weighing 1.05 carat. With a colour of fanc...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Filigree Dome Diamond Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 9 diamonds including brilliant cut, old european cut and old mine cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~3.00 carats Diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Natural Unenhanced Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with a natural unenhanced Burmese oval old cut ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.50 carats, flanked by two...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Victorian era, this carved shank ring showcases a pair of rubies, complemented by old cut diamonds. Each ruby is an old cut gem weighing 0.20 carat. The middle pair of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.10ct IGI Certified Green Paraiba Cuprian Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
IGI Certified Vivid Yellowish Green Cuprian Paraiba Tourmaline And Diamond Platinum Halo Ring 1.05 Carat total. This beautiful ring features a fine IGI Certified natural 0.95ct Para...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 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.”
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.