South Sea Pearl And Diamond Ring Mother-of-Pearl Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This South Sea pearl and diamond ring features an untreated pearl of 16mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Paul Binder Swiss Modern Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Paul Binder
Located in Litchfield, CT
Renowned Swiss master goldsmith, Paul Binder, designed this modernist ring to feature a gorgeous Tahitian black pearl set with cascading white diamonds (F-G color, VS clarity).
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.65ct Diamond and Pearl Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1910s, this twist ring features a stunning natural pearl along side a sparkling old cut diamond.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring Size 5 #24187
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring This 14k yellow gold ring pairs luminous pearls with sparkling diamond accents for a look that's timeless, elegant, and effortlessly refined.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 2 round brilliant cut = 0.30cttw Color: H Clarity: SI2 Weight: 7.96 grams Dimensions: ring top measures 11mm wide Size: 6.25 (comp...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Beautiful Platinum and Gold Ring and Earrings Rose Cut Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Vintage Platinum & 18 kt Ring & Earrings with Rose cut Diamonds & Natural Pearls Diamonds: 32 rose cut diamonds Pearls: 2 with a diameter of approx 6.4 mm Material: Pla...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
1900s Pearl and 1.73 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The 18k hallmark to the ring shank is clear. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI 3 Cut Old European Total Diamond Content 1.72 carats Dimensions L...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Round Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Pearl: 1 round: 6.8mm Diamond: 2 Round Cut: 0.04cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Size: 8.75 (complimentary sizing available) Weight: 6.84 grams
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,783Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 20th Century Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
The gemstones are set in claw settings. The ring measures 2 cm in width and 1.7 cm in height. ** IN STOCK** Characteristics: Material: 18K Gold Diamonds: 0.36 ct total, Brillian...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby Pearl Sapphire and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Surrounding these three stones there are sparkling rose cut diamonds. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.0 grams Size: M 1/2 (53) Face Dimensions: 18mm x 8.5mm Ruby: Approx. 0.15...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Natural Conch Pearl and Pear Diamonds Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Rare Natural Light Pink Conch Pearl & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14K Solid Gold Discover the non-nacreous rarity of the ocean.
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.02 Carat Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is further embellished with a smaller eight-cut diamond to the center of the pearl and diamond design.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Cultured Pearl and 1.04 Carat Diamond White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970s cultured pearl and 1.04 Ct diamond, 14k white gold twist ring; part of our diverse pearl jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 #24400
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 This elegant 18K yellow gold ring features a luminous round white pearl (7.5 mm) flanked by three round brilliant cut diamonds on ea...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.48 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Conch Pearl and Marquise Diamond Ring Cluster Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Details: • Center Stone: 1.78ct High Quality Natural Conch Pearl with GIA Certificate • Accent Diamonds: 10 Marquise cut diamonds with total carat weight of 0.60ct • Diamond Quality:...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
10K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 6 #22821
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 6 Elegant and timeless, this ring is crafted in 10K yellow gold and features a luminous white cultured pearl (8 mm) set in a sweeping byp...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cultured Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old European / Eight Content 0.52 carat Dimensions Length across pearls 2.13cm/0.84" Width of setting 1.37c...
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct Gold Ring Set With A Pearl Of Gray Culture Surrounded By 2 Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
18ct gold ring set with a grey cultured pearl and 2 brilliants total weight :4gr size :56 Free resizing pearl diameter : 0.80cm
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Aquamarine, Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The aquamarine measures 17.6mm in height and 12.9mm in width. The ring sits approximately 8.4mm off the finger. UK Size I 1/2 US Size 4 1/2 Due to the style of the band, it ma...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
1940s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This 1940s pearl twist ring with diamonds is fine quality. It is set with a natural pearl and very high color graded diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s 0.54 Carat Diamond and Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive 1920s single pearl ring with diamonds. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour I Clarity P1 Cut...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920s Antique 0.26ct Diamond and Pearl 12k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.26 carat diamond and natural pearl, 12 karat yellow gold and platinum set twist ring; part of our antique pearl jewellery collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Tahitian pearl and diamond Ring. Marked .585 and weighs 9 grams.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique Pearl and 0.76 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Target Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive pearl and diamond target ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
14K White Gold Pink Cultured Pearl and Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
14k white gold pink cultured pearl and diamond flower ring. The diameter of the pearl is 10.8 mm, all diamonds in this ring are round, the ring size is 6 1/2, and it has a weight of ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Cultured Pearl and 1.23 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive pearl and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold & Platinum, Diamond and Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Additional accent diamonds between the pearls add subtle shimmer and depth, enhancing the ring’s intricate detailing.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$957Sale Price|20% Off
Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 14K White Gold A contemporary three-stone ring crafted in 14K white gold, featuring a luminous 9 mm round Tahitian pearl flanked by tw...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bow Ring South Sea Pearl And Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The bow ring with South Sea pearl and diamond features a large untreated gem quality pearl of 17.5mm diameter.
Pearl, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold, Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl Butterfly-Form Ring
Located in Queens, NY
18K Rose & White Gold Diamond Ruby Pearl Butterfly Ring, designed as a butterfly, featuring twenty one white gold pave and bezel set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring with GIA-Certified Pearl and Diamonds, 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Art Deco pearl and diamond ring is a timeless 1930’s design, centered by a GIA-certified cultured salt water pearl measuring 9.70mm.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Retro Platinum Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Item #R2267 Metal: Platinum Weight: 5.9 Grams Ring Size: 6 1/2 Diamonds: Approximately .50 cts Color: H Clarity: VS2 Pearl: 6.29 mm Measurements: Top of the ring measures 14....
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Retro .25ctw Pearl & Diamond Ring, Platinum, Ring Size 8
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: cultured pearl ,1 stone round bead 6.8 mm diamond, 12 stones round brilliant 1.75 - 2 mm approximately .25 total carats F-G color, VS2-SI1 clarity Ring Size 8 Rise Off Of F...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco 1.27 Carat Diamond and Pearl White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of pearl jewellery/estate jewelry. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour J Clarity VS2 ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
$2,995Sale Price|22% Off
Mabe Pearl 2 Carat 21 Diamond Halo Ring 14 Karat Gold Retro Midcentury Modern
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous Mabe Pearl Cocktail Fashion Ring with a Halo of 21 Diamonds totaling approximately 2 Carats in 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Pearl and 0.30 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine Edwardian pearl cluster ring with diamonds . Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (aver...
Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
French 1925s Art Deco Fine Pearl Diamond Platinum You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Platinum ring, dog head hallmark. Elegant and sober antique ring, it is formed of 2 geometrical patterns decorated with antique brilliant- cut diamonds which frame 2 fine pearls on a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
$445Sale Price|40% Off
Cocktail Ring in Silver with Black Diamonds and Tahitian Pearl
By Cristina Cipolli Jewellery
Located in London, Richmond
Ring in polished sterling silver, set with black diamonds and peacock pearl Size UK M 1/2 - US 6 1/2 in stock, more sizes available upon request, made to order pieces aren't returnab...
Black Diamond, Pearl, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver
Antique Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Pearl and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Pearl and Diamond Engagement Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco ring features a natural pearl center with rose cut diamonds on the sides.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, and yellow gold ring, set with three half seed pearls, and two old single cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pearl Diamond Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: 1990s MATERIALS: 14k Gold GEMSTONE: Pearl , Diamond WEIGHT: 8.8 Grams MEASUREMENT: Pearl Diameter - 1/2" RING SIZE: 6.5 HALLMARKS: 14K
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Vintage Pearl and 1.15 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pearl and diamond ring is in excellent condition.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Crossover Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
It doesn't get any more classic than the elegant and sophisticated combination of diamonds and pearls! This charming cocktail ring, finely crafted from high polish 18 carat white gol...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hydrothermal Spinel, Pearl, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Frog Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion frog shape ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure, studded with hydrothermal spinel on the body and 2 diamonds as eyes.
Diamond, Pearl, Spinel, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Pearl and 1.14 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Set Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Art Nouveau pearl and 1.14 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set dress ring; part of our diverse antique pearl jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Natural Blister Pearl and 0.13 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning example of pearl jewelry. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P1 C...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
South Sea Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
This handmade dress ring features a beautiful cultured white South Sea pearl measuring 14.5mm in the center accompanied by a trilogy of diamonds hugging the pearl on either side.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,944Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 9K Yellow Gold Pearl and Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique 9K yellow gold cluster ring, featuring a central old mine-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of seven natural saltwater pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 7.5 #16651
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 7.5- This stunning ring features one round white cultured pearl (9 mm) and 28 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K yel...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K 585 Rose Gold Natural Brilliant Diamond and White Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl and Diamond Ring Metal Type: 14K Rose Gold Total Item Weight: 7.8 Grams Ring Size: 8 (Resizable) Dimensions: Length: 15.5 mm X Width: 15.5 mm X Height: 16.0 mm 1: Primary Ston...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sausalito, CA
Vintage Van Cleff & Arpels pearl and diamond fashion ring with platinum (finger fit style shank). 11.50-12mm south sea pearl with white and pink cast luster. 2- .56ct. each Clarit...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Fashionable Flower Wrap Around Design Pearl and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
14 karat white gold wrap around ring features 2 large oval shaped pearls embellished with delicate petals of diamond pave.
White Diamond, Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Natural Large Pink Pearl Ring Solid Gold Diamonds and Green Enamel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Enamel Pearl Ring 18K Yellow Gold 21 Grams Large Natural Pink Fresh Water Pearl Beautiful Bronze-Pink Color Pearl Size 14 MM - with very good Luster Brilliant Green Enamel on ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl and Diamond Block Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 20 round cut = 0.10cttw Color: I Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 6.5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Weight: 8.50 grams
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Cultured Pearls Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
An elegant You and Me ring, its band is adorned with a drop of 2x5 modern brilliant-cut diamonds and two pearly white oriental cultured pearls.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Pearl Three Row Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Platinum Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Pearl Three Row Ring. This gorgeous antique Art Deco old mine diamond and pearl three row ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Pearl and 0.12 Carat Diamond 10k White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 10k white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
12.5mm South Sea Pearl and Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural Pearl and Diamond Platinum 900 Three Stone Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 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.
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.