White Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Single .15ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .15ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 1.6 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rose Gold Diamond Reversible Cluster Halo Ring - 14k Round 2.20ctw Brown Sz7 1/2
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Metal Content: 14k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 2.20ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Fancy Brown & H - I - J Clarity: SI1 - I1 Total Carat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 1.5 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2 Carat Diamond Pave Geometric Bombé Dome 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
2 carat total weight round brilliant diamond pave 18K white gold wide dome cocktail ring featuring a bold geometric mosaic pattern of pave-set diamond segments across a polished whit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.80 Carat Natural Diamond Flower Cluster Ring G-H SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
2.81 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Flower Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 2.81CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style,...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ursula Rickmers Round Grey Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring, 2 Carats
By Ursula Rickmers
Located in Miramar, FL
A 2-carat brilliant cut grey diamond takes center stage in this solitaire engagement ring from Ursula Rickmers Jewelry, set in 18k white gold with a distinctive split-shank band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 4.70 Carat Antique Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Breathtaking Vintage 18K White Gold (tested) Elongated Oval Ruby ring. CIRCA 1940s. The RUBY is estimated 3.50CT with measurements of 14.65x7.80x3.35 mm. GIA Certified in Dark be...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
.94ct. Natural Blue Sapphire Diamonds Cluster Ring 14kt 84424*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
.94ct Natural Sapphire Ring Round, Brilliant Cut clean clarity & Transparent .65ct Natural diamonds H-color Vs-2 clarity 14kt white gold 5.6 grams Size 8
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 2.2 carats and either side of the gorgeous pink stone are baguette diamonds measuring 2pts each.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Diamond Ring 18K Gold Cluster Cocktail 2.47 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ring 18K Gold Cluster Cocktail 2.47 TDW This spectacular diamond ring is finely crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring - 14k Princess 1.00ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $40 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00ctw Cut: Princess Color: I ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
TJD 0.75 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage 3-Stone Cluster Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous ring shines bright with 63 brilliant diamonds set elegantly in prong and micro-prong setting and fashioned in 18KT yellow gold. Diamonds are graded H-I Color, I1 Clarit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 12.52 Carat 18 Karat Natural Sapphire Diamond Baguette Dec Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
ONLY MAGNIFICENT INVESTMENT JEWELS 8.02ct. GIA certified Natural Sapphire Amazing Cushion cut Very Very Clean Clarity Beautiful Blue sparkles throughout The classic cornflower c...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Petite Organic Cushion Diamond Ring Center, 1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite handcrafted earthy, organically designed ring is features 1/2 a Carat Elongated Cushion.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold Organic Design Elongated Cushion Diamond Ring Center, 1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite handcrafted earthy, organically designed ring is features 1/2 a Carat Elongated Cushion.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$23,440Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 2 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Dome Engagement Ring Platinum H
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 2-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian GIA 5.25 carat no heat sapphire diamond 18k white gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian ring from the 1910’s is crafted in 18k white gold and showcases a GIA certified cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 5.25 carats, of Australian origin and unhea...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring - 14k Marquise .78ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .69ct Cut: Marq...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Band - 14k Round Brilliant .80ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .80ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 3.67 Carat Natural Vivid Royal Blue Diamonds Ring Cluster Halo 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Classic Halo Cluster Vivid Blue 1.97ct. Natural GIA Certified Blue Sapphire Ring GIA Certified Report ID: 2165670017 8.50 X 6.61 X 3.91mm Full cut oval brilliant Clean Clarity ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.00ctw Channel Set
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Champ...
Diamond
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Art Deco Style Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning ring is vintage but created in an Art Deco style. It is modelled in 18carat white gold and the diamonds have a total weight of 45pts. Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2 Panel Dimen...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 0.77ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A 0.35 carat old cut diamond takes centre stage in this delightful Art Deco cluster ring.
Diamond, Platinum
White Gold Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold & 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1935
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
Chaumet diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a round old cut diamond, J colour, VS2 clarity, with an approximate weight of 1.19 carats in an open back claw setting, flanked by si...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.45 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.45 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold Art Deco cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique diamond rings collections.
Diamond, White Gold
4.86 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring Made in 18K White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold featuring 4.86 Carats of Rubies and 1.32 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems. Early ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage French 1970s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage French 0.60 carat sapphire and 0.42 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
11.97 Carat Round and Marquis Shape Diamond 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 11.97 Carat Round Brilliant H SI1-I2 and Marquis Shape I SI1 Diamond 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Cluster Ring Style: Cluster Metal: 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Gemstone 1: 8.5 Car...
Diamond, 18k Gold
White Gold Tanzanite Diamond Cluster Band - 14k Oval 1.05ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Tanzanites Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Carat(s): .96ctw Cut: Ov...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 2.00ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 2.00 carat, transitional cut diamond takes centre stage in this 1930s ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Rose Gold Diamond Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.00ctw Floral Cluster
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Fancy ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.00ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring - 10k Round .20ctw Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $40 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw Cut: Round Brilliant & S...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Round .81ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .45ctw Cut: Round ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver 1 Cttw Diamond Pear-Shaped Triple Halo Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Unveil the epitome of elegance with this pear-shaped sterling silver ring, embellished with a mesmerizing triple halo cluster of natural diamonds.
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
White Gold Diamond Vintage Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Round 1.62ctw Floral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .42ct Cut: Round Brillian...
Black Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 2.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 2.50ctw Cut: Round B...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Marquise Cluster Diamond Bridal Set
Located in New York, NY
Imbued with the romance and promise of eternal devotion, this ethereal bridal set glistens with a marquise cluster of natural diamonds, boasting a total weight of 1/2 carat. Each gem...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Halo Ring 10k Round .50ctw Engagement
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Round Brilliant & Single C...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
0.48 Carat Marquise Shape Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Total Diamond Weight = 0.48 Carats. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 10k Marquise 2.72ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 2.70ctw Cut: Marquise N...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold Petite Organic Halo Design Emerald Diamond Ring Center 1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite handcrafted earthy, organically designed ring features a 1/2 Carat Emerald shape diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
14 Karat Gold Petite Organic Halo Design Emerald Diamond Ring Center 1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite handcrafted earthy, organically designed ring features a 1/2 Carat Emerald shape diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Petite Organic Halo Design Emerald Diamond Ring Center 1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite handcrafted earthy, organically designed ring features a 1/2 Carat Emerald shape diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Tiered Cluster Ring - 14k Single Cut .33ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .33ctw Cut: Single ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$466Sale Price|20% Off
14 Karat Gold Cushion Purple Sapphire Vintage Diamond Ring Center, 2/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite organic designed ring is impressive in its vintage appeal, featuring a natural purple cushion shape sapphire, accented with a cluster of round brilliant diamonds. Experie...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.50ctw Cut: Rou...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Men's Ring - 14k Round .88ctw Nugget Cluster
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 10 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .50ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Vintage Cluster Band 14k Single .23ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .23ctw Cut: Single Colo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Square Cluster Bridal Set
Located in New York, NY
Embrace timeless elegance and enduring sophistication with this splendid bridal set, meticulously crafted from .925 sterling silver and bathed in a radiant 14K yellow gold plating. A...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
White Gold Diamond Cluster Halo Engagement Ring - 10k Round .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 10k White Gold & 10k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Round ...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Halo Engagement Ring - 10k Round .20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw Cut: Round Br...
Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Petite Organic Design Cushion Diamond Ring Center-1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite handcrafted earthy, organically designed ring is features 1/2 a Carat Elongated Cushion.
Diamond, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.20ctw Cut: Rou...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.76ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.76ctw Cut: Round Brilliant ...
Diamond, 14k 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.”
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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.
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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.