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
Contemporary Amethyst and Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A beautiful amethyst and diamond halo ring set in platinum. The ring centrally features a beautiful purple round cut amethyst surrounded by a halo of 28 round brilliant-cut diamonds...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Bailey, Banks & Biddle 1920s Two-Stone Diamond Ring
By Bailey, Banks & Biddle
Located in London, GB
Bailey, Banks and Biddle two stone diamond ring. Set with two round old cut diamonds in open back millegrain collet settings with a total weight of 1.60 carats, the curved bezel also...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.70Ct Thai Ruby and 1.68Ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring 1975
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat Thai ruby and 1.68 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our unheated gemstone ring collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 2.30ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 2.30 carat old cushion cut diamond is enveloped in a ring of rubies in this beautiful Edwardian target ring. The central diamond is of good quality with colour of F to G a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Antique Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine Cushion DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring A distinctively stunning 1900s delight measuring 3/4 inch long and exotically lovely...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
EFFY Bordeaux 14K Gold Rose Multi-Stone Diamond Flower Ring
By Effy
Located in San Fernando, CA
EFFY captures the natural beauty and sparkling brilliance of round, marquise and pear cut amethyst, rhodolite garnet and diamond stones in this 14k rose gold flower ring. Approx. car...
Diamond
Vintage 7.75ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1970
Located in London, GB
This awe inspiring vintage ring features at its center a mesmerizing star ruby. The gem stone is a 7.75 carat cabochon cut stone with an unusual purple-red colour. It is claw set wit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 1.31ct 7-Stone Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Step into the spotlight with this exquisitely crafted 18k white gold ring, gracefully presenting a stunning 1.04 carat oval brilliant natural diamond at its center. Certified by IGI...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 1.35ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A rare and stunningly beautiful piece, this target ring dates to the Edwardian period. At its centre sits a 1.35 carat old cut diamond. The diamond is rub over set with milgrain deta...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Emerald & Diamonds Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Emerald & Diamonds Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver Center Natural Emerald — 6 Carats • Origin: Zambia • Emerald • Saturated Green luminous, glowing ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$535Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Handcrafted Natural Emerald & Ruby Bypass Diamond 925 Silver Ring
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS : Metal - 925 Sterling Silver Gemstone - Ruby, Emerald Gemstone Size - 3,2X2 mm Diamond Size - 1 mm Gemstone Shape - Round, Square Gemstone Weight - 1.7 Carat Diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
1920s Emerald Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, mascaron hallmark and in 18 karat yellow gold. Elegant antique ring it presents a mounting of round shape decorated in the center in closed setting of yellow gold o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Fine Platinum Genuine Natural Emerald and Diamond Ring '#J4857'
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fine Platinum Genuine Natural Emerald and Diamond Ring (#J4857) Platinum emerald and diamond ring with specialty cut emerald accents, 1.50 carats total weight emeralds, top color an...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Paper Flowers Ring in Platinum with Pave Diamonds Petals by Tiffany & Co.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7 Tiffany & Co. wows us once again with this absolutely incredible diamond cluster ring from the Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified Natural Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Diamond 4.5ct Ring
Located in London, GB
Statement ring consisting of a mysterious fancy brownish greenish yellow colour natural untreated diamond surrounded by glistening white round brilliant cut diamonds and diamond shou...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Diamond and Emerald Double Target Ring in Platinum
By Susannah Lovis
Located in London, England
A beautiful GIA certified Art Deco style emerald and diamond double target ring set in platinum. The ring is predominantly set with a sparkly GIA certified round brilliant cut diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.32ct Oval Cut Vivid Pink Mahenge Spinel & Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Vivid Pink Mahenge Spinel And Diamond Platinum Halo Ring. 1.32 Carat total. This beautiful ring features a 1.18ct Mahenge spinel with a stunning vivid pink colour and very g...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Floral Emerald Diamond Bypass Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This bypass ring features a pear-shaped natural emerald set in a prong setting ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
Set in 14k solid gold, this piece is designed to be a standout choice for engagements, anniversaries, or as a stylish cocktail ring. ★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Emerald Shape: Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Daisy Diamond with Emerald Floral Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Delight in floral elegance with this Daisy Diamond and Emerald Ring. A sparkling diamond sits at the center, encircled by vibrant emeralds arranged like delicate flower petals. Inspi...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 2.97ct Emerald and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Surrounded by a double halo of transitional cut diamonds is a fantastic 2.97 carat, natural emerald of Columbian origin. Certified by The Gem and Pearl Lab, it has been characterized...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Floral Tanzanite Natural Diamond Gemstone Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Sapphire Shape: Oval Carat: 6.62 ct Color: Blue Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Pear Carat: 0.63 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural Diamond Sha...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,413Sale Price|30% Off
Sybarite Classic Band Ring in Blackened Gold with Black Diamonds
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Sybarite Jewellery is a London-based luxury brand crafting outstanding pieces, incomparable both in design and in execution. Spearheaded by founder Margarita Prykhodko, a former arch...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.70Ct Ruby and 1.14Ct Diamond, Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat ruby, 1.14 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage cocktail rings. This fine and impre...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Design 18k Gold Tanzanite Ring & 2ct Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning design Art Deco in 18k gold with natural blue tanzanite of 6 carats , and natural diamonds round brilliant cut 💎 ct 2 F/VS. Handcrafted by artisan goldsmith.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
1.62 Ct Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, 1960 ca
Located in Napoli, IT
Marvelous mid century Diamond Ruby ring, 1960 ca. Hand crafted mount of solid 18 KT gold Platinum topped Elegant timeless design with center Ruby flanked by group of Diamonds between...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Floral Multicolor Sapphire Natural Diamond Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
This statement cocktail ring features a vibrant floral cluster of multi-colored pear-cut natural sapphires fanning out from a central round natural diamond.
Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gol...
Natural Baguette Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Heart Ring Jewelry 0.05 Ct
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K solid yellow gold signet ring. Rectangular flat face — fine vertical engine-turned reeding, wall-to-wall. Single baguette-cut lab diamond flush-set at lower right corner of face:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$18,177 / item
Art Deco 1.15ct Diamond and Emerald Target Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This captivating Art Deco Target Ring features a 1.15 carat emerald cut diamond, rub over set at it’s centre. It is surrounded by a halo of emeralds totalling 0.18 carat which are se...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Oval Cut Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.62 carat emerald and 0.14 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse jewelry and estate jewelry collec...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline 1.70ct, Diamond, 18K White Gold Ring AGL Certified Brazil
Located in Northampton, MA
Among the very rarest and most valuable gemstones on the planet, the Paraiba Tourmaline is found in very few places on earth, but those from the original source -Brazil- are by far t...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, White Gold
18K Gold Vintage Starburst Ring with Spessartite Garnet, Emeralds, and Diamonds
Located in Venice, CA
This is a stunning 18k white and yellow gold ring, fashioned in the shape of a starburst or flower with 12 points. The center stone is a dazzling 6.5 mm spessartite garnet with beaut...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Certified 4.34ct Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum and Gold
Located in London, England
A sensational certified round brilliant halo solitaire ring set in platinum and yellow gold. The ring is predominantly set with a sparkly 4.34 carat brilliant cut diamond which is ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Marquise Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rose and White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring features 2 fancy color diamonds weight 0.22 carat and 1 marquise diamonds weight 0.10 carat. Fancy cut diamonds are set in 18 karat rose gold. Assented with 0.36 carat of w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
2.75ct Ceylon Sapphire and 2.88ct Diamond, 18ct White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.75 carat Ceylon sapphire and 2.88 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold ballerina ring; part of our sapphire jewelry collection. This stunning...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Floral Natural Diamond Statement Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. A floral-inspired diamond ring featuring a brilliant cluster of natural diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Deco 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A vivid red Burmese ruby takes centre stage in this Late Deco halo ring. The 1.00 carat old cut ruby is completely natural and unheated making it a highly prized gem. Complementing t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold old mine cut diamond ring in navvet designe with estimate diamond weight if 2 carats H colour vs clearity excellect cut and spark with a ring head lenght of 30mm rin...
Stunning 0.42ct Emerald and Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Elevate your elegance with this luxurious 18K Yellow Gold piece, featuring two stunning oval emeralds with a total carat weight of 0.40ct. Their vibrant green hue adds a touch of sop...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Boat ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Victorian pink sapphire and diamond boat ring is truly a one of a kind piece. Featuring a 0.40 carat oval cut pink sapphire at its centre, with a 0.25 carat pear cut p...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
$9,640Sale Price|20% Off
5.50ct NATURAL NO HEAT Cabochon Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring, WGI Certified
Located in Braintree, GB
This elegant platinum ring, made in the 1970s, features a beautiful 5.50 -carat oval cabochon-cut natural unheated blue sapphire, from Ceylon. The sapphire is surrounded by 16 brilli...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2.24ct GIA Certified Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow White Gold Halo Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certified Deep Green Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow & White Gold Halo Ring. 2.24 Total Carat Weight. This ring features a 1.40ct carat GIA Certified Colombian emerald w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
$6,409Sale Price|20% Off
Jay Feder 18kt White Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A striking statement ring by Jay Feder, crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring an impressive 8.80-carat oval blue topaz at its centre. Surrounding the central gemstone are eight a...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, White Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond Double Halo 18K Yellow & White Gold Octagonal Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
This ruby and diamond cocktail ring has a softly defined octagonal shape, giving it a bit more presence than a traditional cluster.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Australian Opal & Old Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1890s, 18ct Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. The ring is set with three natural oval cabochon Australian opals ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$167Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Minimal Ruby Princess-Cut Mosaic Ring in Sparkle Diamond Jewelry Gift
Located in New York, NY
Delicate 1 mm diamonds totaling 0.08 carat frame the ruby cluster, adding a subtle halo of sparkle that enhances the geometric design.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Fascinating 2.23ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Natural-Colored Diamond Fancy Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Fascinating 2.23ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Natural-Colored Diamond Fancy Ring in 18k White Gold - GIA Certified Elevate your style with this exquisite 18k white gold ring, featur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,413Sale Price|30% Off
Sybarite Classic Band Ring in 18K Blackened Gold with Black Diamonds
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Sybarite Jewellery is a London-based luxury brand crafting outstanding pieces, incomparable both in design and in execution. Spearheaded by founder Margarita Sybarite, a former archi...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This is a stunning blue gemstones ring and one that would make a unique engagement ring as well. Made in white gold in style and design reminiscent of Art Deco era, the design of thi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$395Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Classic Oval Iolite Surround Silver Ring with Halo Diamonds for Gifts
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 925 Sterling Silver Natural Iolite and Diamond Ring showcases a captivating 8 x 10 mm oval natural Iolite weighing 2 carats, celebrated for its rich violet-blue hue and ...
Diamond, Iolite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Emerald & Diamond Halo Gemstone Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This two-stone ring features a pear-shaped emerald and an oval diamond, both en...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring with 0.45ct Diamond and Onyx, Circa 1940
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Art Deco Style Ring 1940's ring with a bright and shining central European-cut diamond floating in the center, estimated at 0.45carat, collet-set in plat...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Victorian 0.54ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.54 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Rose- Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. This antique diamond ring can be worn on either the ring finger or the little finger. A timeless antique daisy ring, its round settin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,008Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.11 CTW Art Deco Inspired 14K White Gold Lavender Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
The center stone is framed by delicate round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a graceful cluster on each side, with an approximate total diamond weight of 0.12 carats, each diamond...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Teardrop Halo Natural Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This teardrop ring features a triple-layer halo around a central cluster of nat...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, 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.”
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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
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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.