6.75 Carat Fancy Yellow Square Radiant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring features 2 accenting Trillion cut side Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.10 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Olbia Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning weave ring features 12 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATUR...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Olbia Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning weave ring features 12 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATUR...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Betty Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 13 round brilliant diamonds perfectly matched channel-set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Betty Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 13 round brilliant diamonds perfectly matched channel-set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3.05 carat Emerald and 0.70 carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.05 carat emerald and 0.70 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Sevilla Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features five(5) floating Brilliante round diamonds set in "U" Shaped delicate prongs on top of a 1.3 MM band. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Cent...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Sevilla Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features five(5) floating Brilliante round diamonds set in "U" Shaped delicate prongs on top of a 1.3 MM band. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Cent...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Constance Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 70 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set between 14 petite rows. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type:...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Louise Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features 95 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong -set in three rows. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Typ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Olivia Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This red carpet eternity ring features rows of micro - prong-set diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIA...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Constance Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 70 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set between 14 petite rows. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type:...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Olivia Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This red carpet eternity ring features rows of micro - prong-set diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIA...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Katharine Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This red carpet ring features three rows of round brilliant diamonds sparkling between thin metal edges. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE S...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Louise Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features 95 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong -set in three rows. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Typ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Katharine Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This red carpet ring features three rows of round brilliant diamonds sparkling between thin metal edges. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE S...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$854Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Margol Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features a wave of brilliant round diamonds scattered prong set. Nineteen (19) round diamond micro- prong-set along the two sides of the band. Experience the difference in ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.07 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Dutch 1.07 carat diamond cluster ring in 14 karat yellow gold; part of our internationally made jewelry and estate jewelry collections This s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cut 2.69 Carats Green Agate and Diamond Halo Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and Fun Ring The ring is 14K Yellow Gold There are 0.10 Carats In Diamonds G/H SI The Center Stone is an Oval Faceted Green Agate 2.69 Carats The ring measures on top 6/16"...
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Kay Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 13 Round brilliant diamonds bead-set across the top half of the band. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gems...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Kay Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 13 Round brilliant diamonds bead-set across the top half of the band. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gems...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1.32 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.32 carat natural sapphire and 0.81 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse estate jewelry collections.
Sapphire, Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.14 Carat Natural Yellow Diamond Ring GIA, Large Yellow Diamond Ring for Women
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
With a stunning 9.14 carat natural yellow diamond as its centerpiece, this ring is a rare and precious find.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
7.00 Carat Basaltic Yellow Sapphire and 1.92 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 7.00 carat Basaltic yellow sapphire and 1.92 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set cluster ring; part of our diverse collect...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.75 Carat Yellow Diamond Twist Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning and unusual antique yellow diamond twist ring. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color Z+/Fan...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1910 Edwardian 14k Yellow and Platinum Gold Toi et Moi 2 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This lovely Toi et Moi ring comes from the 1910 Edwardian period and is made with 14k yellow gold and platinum with 2 carats of natural, Euro cut diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.13 Carat Diamond Heart Cluster Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Total Diamond Weight = 0.13 Carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Kira Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Timeless and classic. This eternity band features a perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds shared prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color:...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Kira Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Timeless and classic. This eternity band features a perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds shared prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color:...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
.50 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Diamond 18 karat yellow gold band featuring 58 round brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of .50 carat.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.07 Carat Diamond Star Cluster Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring contains 0.07 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds set in 14K Yellow Gold, in the shape of a bright yellow star.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite 2 carat round brilliant diamond engagement ring captures the timeless essence of vintage romance.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.05 Carat Diamond Star Cluster Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Total Diamond Weight = 0.05 Carats. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.30 Carat Green Tourmaline Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Tourmaline and diamond ring. Oval center green tourmaline with 24 full cut accent diamonds in a 14k yellow gold setting. Top gem bright green Tourmaline approx. total weight 2.30ct...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
.70 Carat Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Oval and round amethyst 1980’s cocktail ring with brilliant cut accent diamonds in a 14k yellow gold setting. 1 oval purple amethyst, approx. .40cts 2 round purple amethyst, approx...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.28 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.28 carat modern brilliant round cut diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold bezel set solitaire ring; part of our contemporary diamond jewelry c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White and Yellow Gold 1 1/2 Carat 2 Prong Cup Set Diamond 5 Stone Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
Sparkle bright with this magnificent 1 1/2 cttw diamond ring. Sporting a shining yellow gold band, this ring glows with 5 round-cut diamonds in a gleaming white gold. The gold is 14k...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.05 Carat Diamond Moon Cluster Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring contains 0.05 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds set in 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.04 Carat Diamond Star Cluster Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring contains 0.04 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds set in 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Antique 1/2 Carat European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold diamond ring featuring an European cut diamond weighing about 1/2 carat.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Prepare to be mesmerized by the extraordinary beauty of this three stone engagement ring, featuring a GIA certified 2.01 carat fancy vivid yellow radiant cut diamond center stone.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 1/2 Carat Round Diamond 14Karat Yellow Gold Zigzag Fashion Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Honor the women you love with this designer twisted diamond wedding band is expertly crafted in 14 Karat yellow Gold and features 93 round diamond set in micro-prong and channel sett...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Yellow Round Diamond 0.60 Carat TW Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond cocktail ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow and White Gold setting with natural round cut yellow diamonds complimented by natural round white di...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
2.80 Carat Emerald and 2.75 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.80 carat Colombian emerald and 2.75 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse jewelry collections.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.82 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.82 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold cluster ring; part of our jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine marquise cut diamond ring has be...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Yellow Pear Diamond 1.48 Carat TW Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow and White Gold setting with a natural pear cut yellow diamonds. The yellow diamonds are surrounded by round n...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
15.04 Carat Cushion Cut Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Cushion cut Diamond, Fancy Intense Yellow color, VVS2 clarity, GIA #1216742124. The ring features 2 Shield cut side Diamonds. Size 6 1...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Natural Yellow Cushion Diamond 1.00 Carat TW Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's classic diamond ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow and White Gold setting with a natural cushion cut yellow diamond. The yellow diamond is surrounded by round nat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
1.09 Carat Round Black Onyx & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring features a 1.09 Carat Black Onyx, with a Diamond Halo comprised of 0.06 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Delicate Orim Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This organically designed ring features a 4.5 mm center diamond ( 0.35 carat) prong set.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Delicate Orim Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This organically designed ring features a 4.5 mm center diamond ( 0.35 carat) prong set.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Marne 5-Stone Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 2-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Marne 5-Stone Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 2-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2ct Emerald Pave Trellis Entwined Prong Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Emerald Carat: 2.0 Color: H Clarity: VS1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$16,818Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2ct Radiant Entwined Garden Flower Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Radiant Carat: 2.0 Color: I Clarity: SI1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Natural Yellow Round Diamond 0.90 Carat TW Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond cocktail ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow and White Gold setting with natural round cut yellow diamonds complimented by natural round white di...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
1.02 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 1.02 carat modern brilliant round cut diamond, 18k yellow gold, platinum set, solitaire ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry range.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.28 Carat Natural Yellow Sapphire Diamonds Ring Platinum*
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Sapphire Classic 2.85ct. Natural Yellow sapphire ring. Vivid yellow color Clean clarity. oval, full cut 8.5 X 5.8mm Transparent, Vibrant yellow color .33ct. Side na...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Yellow Pear and White Diamond 1.10 Carat TW Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow Gold setting with a natural pear-cut yellow diamond and natural pear-cut white diamond. The diamonds are surr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.33 Carat Round Cut Cluster 18 Karat White Gold Halo Engagement Diamond Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Ring size UK - M, US - 6 1/2. Available in other carat sizes as well as ring sizes.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 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.